SportPesa mega jackpot winner Cosmas Korir is set to pay some Sh. 46 million in tax.
Cosmas Korir, a politician from West Pokot, won Sh. 208.7 million on Sunday after correctly predicting 17 matches.
But according to the new betting taxes that were approved by President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 21, Mr. Korir will now part with 20 per cent of his winnings. This means that the KRA will get Sh. 41.6 million of Mr. Korir’s jackpot.
“Congratulations on this achievement. I left home and came to the office and congratulate you. Your life has changed, I will personally meet you soon and we can then share tips on how you can use this money wisely,” SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri explained.
Mr. Korir is the fourth SportPesa mega jackpot winner, which is the biggest in Africa. In May last year, Samuel Abisai won the first Jackpot of Sh. 221 million before three winners shared Sh. 115 million a month later. Gordon Ogada also claimed Sh. 230 million in a separate win earlier this year.
According to the government, the high betting tax are meant to curb the rapid growth of on-line gambling, which is said to be affecting the young and vulnerable.
Currently, about 7 million out of 45 million Kenyans have registered for betting services in Kenya.
