Betting firm SportPesa has refuted reports it is closing down following the government’s decision not to renew its operating license.
The company said it is in discussions with the government and relevant stakeholders to find a resolution to an impasse that has made 26 other betting firms suspend operations.
“We are positive that we will be back to full operation soon,” the firm said in a statement.
SportPesa operations have remained crippled since last Friday after the government ordered telecommunication firms to block its pay bill numbers for allegedly evading taxes.
SportPesa and 26 other bookmakers and lottery operators were asked to renew their licences to net tax evaders.
To demonstrate government resolve to reform the gambling industry, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i deported 17 directors of companies involved in gambling in the country.
The foreigners, mainly from Eastern Europe, are said to have engaged in other businesses besides those stipulated in their work permits.
Reports had indicated that hundreds of jobs were on the line as the government intensified its crackdown on betting companies, which were considering laying off staff to cut losses.
Most of those who are said to be on the verge of losing their jobs are the technical staff, employees at the call centres and marketing staff.