Sportpesa At Risk If New Tax Law Is Not Suspended By Parliament

Latest KES 22 million Sportpesa jackpot winner Elimah Khanaitsa (R) receiving her cheque from Sportpesa CEO Robert Karuri (L) together with her husband. | image source: the-star.co.ke | 

The Association of Gaming Operators has moved to court seeking suspension of a tax law passed by Parliament which they say favours foreigners.

The operators say the law imposes an unconstitutional obligation upon gaming operators to inquire into the private taxation affairs of its customers by requiring them to reveal their Personal Identity Numbers (PIN).

The operators through their lawyer Robert Macharia, told Justice Mumbi Ngugi that the laws require gaming operators to withhold tax from foreigners who are not Kenyan residents.

Macharia said that one of the association members, Pevans East Africa Limited (Sportpesa), which is a local company risks closing shop if the law comes into effect.

The Judge certified the application as urgent and directed that the same be served to the Attorney General. The matter will be heard on January 12.