Giant betting firm SportPesa has asked customers to be patient as it negotiates with government over the impasse on renewing license, it has emerged.
Early this month, Betting Control and Licensing Board closed down 27 betting firms over alleged non compliance, with SportPesa and Betin Kenya being some of the biggest casualties.
And on Tuesday, the government renewed licences for 10 other betting firms after they complied, with SportPesa and Betin being the notable absentees in the cleared companies.
SportPesa Chief Executive Officer Ronald Karauri said negotiations with the government are in advanced stage, adding that the company will soon be in full operation.
“We are in discussions with the government and relevant stakeholders and are positive that we will be back to full operation soon.
"We regret to inform you that our services are temporarily unavailable due to a suspension of services by key suppliers. SportPesa is working tirelessly to resume full operations," he said.
The company whose international headquarters are located in Liverpool has been sponsoring Kenya Premier League and a number of clubs including Gor Mahia.
Sources claim that the company has been making abnormal profits contrary to tax returns it has been making since venturing into Kenyan market in 2014.