Betting firm SportPesa has confirmed that the latest SportPesa mega jackpot winner will take home his entire winnings tax-free.
Mr Cosmas Korir, who is a politician, is the newest SportPesa Mega Jackpot winners after correctly predicting 17 games.
The cash crop director in West Pokot County was revealed after correctly predicting the most recent Mega Jackpot game worth Sh208,733,619.
There were fears however that Mr. Korir would be forced to part with Sh42 million in tax that is in accordance with the 20 percent tax on gambling winnings imposed by the government.
On September 20, President Uhuru Kenyatta had approved the Finance Bill 2018 which required gaming operators to withhold 20 percent of players’ winning.
But SportPesa head of Consumer Care Emily Gachuki said the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Betting Control and Licensing Board were yet to provide guidelines on the new tax.
Ms. Gachuki said the betting firm was still waiting on the directive on the new tax adding that they cannot withhold tax without guidelines from the government.
Mr. Korir, who failed in his attempt to capture the Konin parliamentary seat during the 2017 general election, will, therefore, get his entire winnings.
“As it stands, nothing will be deducted from the win, as we are still waiting on the Government’s directive on the tax,” said Ms. Gachuki as quoted by standardmedia.co.ke.