Bonnie Kamau, the latest SportPesa Mega Jackpot winner, has become one of Kenya’s newest multi-millionaires after correctly predicting all 17 match outcomes in the Sunday, August 3 draw — a feat that earned him a staggering KSh 424,660,618.
But perhaps just as remarkable as his win is the timing of it.
Until June 30, 2025, Kamau’s jackpot prize would have been subjected to a 20% withholding tax, meaning the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) would have deducted Sh84.8 million from his windfall.
However, a crucial last-minute amendment to the Finance Bill 2025 slashed the withholding tax on betting and gaming winnings to 5% — and only on withdrawals.
The new tax regime, which took effect on July 1, 2025, means Kamau is now liable to pay just Sh21.2 million in taxes, saving him over Sh63 million.
This is the lowest effective tax rate on betting winnings since the reintroduction of gambling taxes in recent years.
Kamau’s win marks the first time the SportPesa Mega Jackpot has been claimed since 2018, ending a seven-year drought.
While he won’t walk away with the full amount due to the reduced tax liability, his timely victory has highlighted the dramatic impact of tax policy changes on high-stakes gaming outcomes.
For Kamau — and anyone else dreaming of a life-changing win — the 2025 Finance Act couldn’t have come at a better time.
