Betting giants SportPesa is among three firms which on Monday petitioned against the government's earlier move to cancel the licenses of operations in Kenya.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa

In the petition which also includes Betin and 1xBet, the three sought to have Justice John Mativo compel the state through the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to return their licenses.

Through lawyer Paul Muite, SportPesa argued that the board acted arbitrarily by suspending their paybills, in turn unconstitutionally halting its operations.

"The board acted arbitrarily, causing injustice to the company and threatening hundreds of jobs, Muite told the court as quoted by K24.

On its side, 1xBet, as Advanced Gaming, complained of not being given reasons for the suspension of its operations.

The company expressed fears that it might be forced to close business should the ban continue.

"My client has invested heavily and if the orders are not lifted, it will lead to closure of its business,” said 1xBet lawyer Mbugua Nganga.

The Betin firm, as Gamcode Limited, accused BCLB of contravening the law, urging the court to lift the suspension.

The companies which claimed that their blockage from operations casts uncertainty on the fate of their employees have been under suspension for allegedly failing to meet tax obligations with the government declining to renew their licenses.