Kenya’s betting industry has been thrown into fresh uncertainty as billionaires and major investors battle in court over the rights to the SportPesa trademark. The dispute pits original founders against a rival company accused of acquiring the brand unlawfully, raising big questions about corporate governance, investor trust, and the future of Kenya’s most iconic betting brand.
The Rise of SportPesa
SportPesa entered Kenya’s betting market in 2012 under Pevans East Africa. Within a few years, it grew into the country’s largest gaming company. The platform sponsored English Premier League teams and built a strong presence across Africa.
From 2015 to 2019, SportPesa generated billions in revenue. Its shareholders enjoyed massive dividends, and the brand became a household name. By 2019, SportPesa had become more than just a betting company. It symbolized Kenya’s growing influence in global digital markets.
But that same year, the Kenya Revenue Authority raised tax disputes. Soon after, the Betting Control and Licensing Board revoked Pevans’ license. Operations collapsed, leaving the powerful SportPesa brand in limbo.
The Trademark Dispute
The fight now centers on the SportPesa trademark. Originally owned by Pevans, the rights ended up with Milestone Games Limited. Milestone is linked to Ronald Karauri, one of SportPesa’s founding directors and now a Member of Parliament.
Pevans shareholders, led by billionaire Asenath Maina, argue that the transfer was illegal. They claim it was done without proper approval and that it undervalued the brand. Maina has asked the High Court to restore the trademark to Pevans.
Milestone denies the claims. The company insists it acquired the rights legally and continues to defend its ownership in court.
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Court Battles and Rulings
Kenya’s courts have issued several rulings on the matter. In 2022, the High Court barred Milestone from using the SportPesa name until the case is resolved. The Betting Control and Licensing Board has also suspended Milestone’s operating license more than once.
Yet Milestone has not given up. The company has filed appeals and insists it is the rightful owner. This back-and-forth has created confusion in the industry. Punters remain uncertain about which company controls the SportPesa brand.
The constant legal changes have shaken user trust and slowed down business operations.
Effects on the Betting Industry
Kenya’s betting industry is worth over KSh 200 billion each year (about $1.6 billion). The SportPesa dispute has made investors and punters nervous.
Bettors report challenges accessing services, while some worry about the safety of their money. Others wonder if winnings will be paid on time. These doubts are hurting user confidence, which is vital for online platforms.
Investors also see wider risks. Analysts warn that if the case drags on, it may damage Kenya’s reputation in digital business. Future investors may think twice before putting money into industries with unresolved disputes.
Billionaires and Power Struggles
The battle is not just about a name. It highlights power struggles among Kenya’s wealthiest. Billionaire Asenath Maina and her allies want the courts to recognize their original role in creating SportPesa.
On the other side, Ronald Karauri and Milestone represent newer investors who combine business with political power. Karauri’s entry into Parliament only adds weight to the fight.
The dispute shows how corporate rivalries among billionaires can reshape entire industries.
What’s at Stake
The final decision will decide who controls one of Kenya’s most valuable brands. If Pevans wins, the shareholders could regain SportPesa and any profits tied to its use. If Milestone wins, its hold over the brand will become permanent.
Either way, the ruling will send a strong message about corporate law and intellectual property in Kenya. The case could shape future disputes over trademarks and shareholder rights.
The Bigger Picture
This legal war goes beyond SportPesa. It is a test of Kenya’s business integrity and regulatory strength. The country’s fast-growing digital economy relies on trust, clear rules, and investor confidence.
How the courts resolve this case will influence more than just betting. It could affect Kenya’s ability to attract serious investment across sectors.
Final Thoughts
The SportPesa trademark battle shows how quickly success can turn into conflict. What started as Kenya’s biggest betting success story is now a courtroom drama watched across the continent.
The outcome will decide who owns one of Africa’s most valuable gaming brands. But it will also reveal how Kenya balances wealth, power, and the rule of law in business.
For punters, investors, and regulators, the case is a reminder: in high-stakes industries, trust is everything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who owns the SportPesa trademark in Kenya?
The SportPesa trademark is disputed. Pevans East Africa, the original owner, claims it still holds the rights. Milestone Games, linked to Ronald Karauri, argues it acquired the rights legally. The High Court will decide the matter.
Why is the SportPesa trademark under dispute?
Shareholders of Pevans argue the transfer of the trademark to Milestone was illegal and unauthorized. They say the move locked them out of the company they helped build.
What role does the Betting Control and Licensing Board play?
The BCLB regulates Kenya’s betting industry. It has suspended and reinstated licenses linked to SportPesa several times, adding to the confusion over who is legally allowed to use the brand.
How does this dispute affect bettors?
Bettors face confusion over which platform is legitimate. Some worry about payouts and the safety of their funds due to the ongoing court case.
What is at stake in the SportPesa case?
Control of one of Kenya’s most valuable betting brands, worth billions in revenue, is at stake. The ruling will also shape corporate law and investor trust in Kenya.
What happens if Pevans wins the case?
If Pevans succeeds, the trademark will return to its original shareholders. They may also seek compensation for revenues earned under Milestone’s use of the brand.
Could this case affect other industries in Kenya?
Yes. The case will set a precedent for future disputes over intellectual property, shareholder rights, and corporate governance in Kenya’s business landscape.
