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The High Court has dealt another blow to SportPesa after Justice John Mativo threw out a case seeking compensation from the government after the betting company's license was withdrawn.
Pevans East Africa Limited, the company which owns the betting firm wanted orders to have the government compensate them for the losses incurred since the ban on their operations took effect.
"The circumstances of this case are that the petitioner’s licence has expired.
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SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri. High Court dismisses SportPesa case seeking compensation from government
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"Even if the court quashes the decision there is no basis the petitioner can operate on an expired licence. The claim for damages for alleged loss of business is legally frail, damages must be pleaded and proven," the judge ruled.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) cancelled SportPesa's operating license on July 10 and also ordered its paybill number frozen.
BCLB has so far restored licenses for 10 other betting companies after they obtained clearance from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
The betting regulator had accused the betting companies of failing to comply with the 20% withholding tax requirement.