Kenya’s SportPesa plans more than 100 sports betting events in 2026 as it celebrates legal victory
The betting giant starts the year strong with a packed calendar of football, rugby, motorsport, boxing and basketball events.
Kenya.- Kenya’s leading sports betting company, SportPesa, kicks off 2026 on a high note, planning more than 100 betting events across football, rugby, motorsport, boxing and basketball, and celebrating a major legal victory.
Despite entering the year after a challenging period, SportPesa is positioned for growth, combining betting momentum with community and sports development.
CEO Ronald Karauri highlighted the company’s focus on both sports and community development. “Our plans for 2026 will see SportPesa continue supporting the development of local sports and fans,” he said, according to TV47.
He said that recent legal clarity in Kenya and the UK has set a strong foundation for growth, including the affirmation of the company’s right to use the SportPesa brand and the dismissal of a UK shareholder claim. The claimant was ordered to pay £548,000 (€636,000) to SportPesa Global Holdings and £1.6m (€1.86m) to directors in interim costs.
Looking ahead, Karauri added: “As we look to 2026, our focus remains clear. We will continue investing in Kenyan sport, strengthening responsible gaming practices, expanding community programmes and delivering experiences that resonate with our customers and the wider public.”
Sporting diversity under strict regulations
SportPesa’s calendar for the year includes the SportPesa League, HSBC SVNS Nairobi, the Shujaa rugby tournaments, Safari Rally competitions, national autocross events and grassroots initiatives such as Cheza Dimba and Tujiamini 3.0, reinforcing the company’s strategy to combine entertainment, sport and social impact.
Early wins on the Aviator game, including a KSh80m (€608,000) payout, highlight strong customer engagement as the company strengthens its betting and sports footprint.
However, SportPesa continues to navigate regulatory scrutiny in 2026. Karauri added: “While 2026 presents exciting opportunities, we continue to operate in an environment that requires careful adherence to both local and international regulatory frameworks.”
Operationally, coordinating sponsorships, logistics and customer engagement across the company’s extensive calendar of events presents additional challenges.
