SportPesa makes a resounding return, Chief Executive Ronald Karauri announced they have resumed operations.

SportPesa which made an exit after a row with the government over betting taxes that hugely weighed on them stated that they had acquired a new licence and have resumed operations in the country.

Football Keya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa has confirmed BetKing is the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sponsor.

The betting site ke.sportpesa.com has already gone live with punters using Playbill number 5212121. They had been active in the local sporting scene, sponsoring several ventures including Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, boxing, motorsports and volleyball.

Since their exit that saw them only remain active in the Tanzanian market where they sponsor giants Simba and Yanga, they have lost sponsorship opportunities with Everton Football Club in the English Premier League and Racing Point team in Formula One.

With Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards already snapped up by new firm Betsafe, SportPesa will now look for alternative ventures and teams to sponsor.

“We note that Milestone Games Limited has been authorised to use the trademark ‘SportPesa’ by M/s SportPesa Global Holdings Limited whereas, during the 2020/21 financial year renewal application, the board authorised the use of the trading name ‘Milestone Bet’ to yourselves. According to the information in our possession, the trademark ‘SportPesa’ belongs to Pevans East Africa Limited. The said company has filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal Nairobi no; 471 of 2019. The matter before the Court of Appeal contests the issuance of the gaming license to Pevans East Africa trademark SportPesa. The matter is scheduled to be heard on November 16, 2020. In light of the foregoing, the board is of the opinion that Milestone Games Limited will create confusion to the general public to which trade name the company wishes to adopt. The reason being that there is a variance in the trade name the board approved vis-à-vis the name Milestone Games Limited currently wishes to adopt. You are therefore prohibited from using the trade name ‘SportPesa’ and its domains, shortcodes 29050, 79079, Pay Bill numbers 521521, 9555700 and 955700 until such a time the Court of Appeal shall make the determination on the pending appeal and until the board considers your request to use them. However, you are authorised to continue trading as ‘Milestone Bet’ through the domains provided.”

“Everton Football Club will end its partnership agreement with SportPesa at the end of the current season,”  the agreement has been reached following a comprehensive review by the club of its commercial strategy in line with its vision and future growth plans,” the statement adds.