By 
The new betting sites in Kenya worth considering in late 2026 are a short list: a returning big name, SportyBet, which came back in August 2025, plus a handful of smaller licensed brands such as BongoBongo, Kessbet and Kwikbet. Many other "new" bookmakers promoted online either never held a Kenyan licence or have already gone. Below is the list of new betting sites we checked, what we found for each, and how to judge a newcomer yourself.
Active new and returning bookmakers
| Rank | Operator | Rating | Welcome offer | Highlights | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  SportyBetRead review of SportyBetM-Pesa paybill 590555 | Our rating: 6.5 out of 10 | See current offer on site |
| Visit siteReview of SportyBet |
| 2 |  BongoBongoRead review of BongoBongoM-Pesa paybill 499995 | Our rating: 7.0 out of 10 | See current offer on site |
| Visit siteReview of BongoBongo |
| 3 |  KessBetRead review of KessBet | Our rating: 5.5 out of 10 | Up to KES 5,000 over the first month18+ T&Cs apply |
| Visit siteReview of KessBet |
| 4 |  KwikBetRead review of KwikBetM-Pesa paybill 290028 | Our rating: 6.5 out of 10 | See current offer on site |
| Visit siteReview of KwikBet |
| 5 |  MelbetRead review of Melbet | Our rating: 6.0 out of 10 | 200% first deposit bonus18+ T&Cs apply |
| Visit siteReview of Melbet |
18+. Offers and terms change often: always read the full terms on the operator site before you deposit.
"New" here means new to Kenya, newly returned, or newer than the big jackpot brands; it does not always mean a brand-new company. Offers in the table come from our operator records, and an empty cell means a detail could not be confirmed.
What stands out about each
- SportyBet pulled out of Kenya in 2022 and relaunched in August 2025, built around full and partial cash out, a revamped live interface and Instant Virtuals. The Kenyan site runs in English and Swahili.
- BongoBongo is operated locally by Kensen Limited and shows sportsbook and casino licence numbers in its footer. It offers sports, Aviator, casino and virtuals, an Android APK, and says it charges no deposit or withdrawal fees of its own. It has no sports jackpot.
- Kessbet is run by Kessun Kenya Limited and states a licence number on its site. Registration is Safaricom-only with an SMS one-time code; its welcome offer is spread over a month and cannot be used on crash games.
- Kwikbet appeared on the regulator's list of operators approved for 2025/2026. It accepts small M-Pesa deposits, has a 10-match jackpot and covers local Kenyan leagues as well as the big European ones.
- Melbet entered Kenya in 2020 under Game Tosha Limited with a broad sportsbook, casino and a Kiswahili version, though we could not confirm its licence number from the site.
"New" names that are closed or unverified
| Brand | Status when we checked |
|---|---|
| Helabet | Kenyan-facing site with M-Pesa, but no licence holder or number shown, and its bonus is stated in euros |
| PariPesa | No Kenyan licence, company or regulator statement found on its site |
| Linebet | Offshore brand with no Kenyan domain or licence found |
| ZakaBet | Kenyan domain does not resolve; no licence on record |
| Betsafe | Launched in 2020, ceased Kenyan operations in May 2024 |
| BetLion | Launched in 2018, no working Kenyan site after its 2023 sale |
We keep reviews of these brands because people still search for them, but we do not recommend depositing with any of them. If one returns with a confirmed Kenyan licence, we will update its page.
Why punters look for the latest betting sites
- Bonuses: newcomers compete for sign-ups, so new betting sites in Kenya with a bonus can have more generous karibu offers.
- Odds and boosts: to win customers, some price popular EPL games sharply or add multibet boosts.
- Features: newer apps often bring cash out, bet builders and cleaner layouts.
- Second account: having more than one bookmaker lets you take the better price.
The risks of a new betting site
The closures above show the main risk: a bookmaker can leave the market, and getting a balance out then depends on how it winds down. Betway, for example, stopped deposits and new registrations in May 2023 while still allowing existing customers to cash out. A new site also has no long public payout record, may list fewer leagues and live markets, and may have a small support team. And a fair number of "new" brands never had a Kenyan licence in the first place.
Checklist for vetting a new bookmaker
| Check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Licence number and Kenyan company in the footer | Only an offshore licence, or none |
| M-Pesa | Paybill or STK prompt naming the brand or company | Payments to a personal number or till |
| Terms | Bonus and withdrawal rules written in KES | Terms in another currency or missing |
| App | From the official site or an app store | APK shared in WhatsApp or Telegram groups |
| Contacts | Kenyan phone, address and live chat | Email only, no address |
| Marketing | Normal promotions with clear terms | Ads for fixed matches or "sure" wins |
How to try a new betting site carefully
- Open the account with a small first deposit.
- Place a few ordinary bets, then request a small withdrawal early to see how payouts work.
- Keep the M-Pesa messages, bet IDs and screenshots of any problem.
- If a withdrawal stalls without explanation, stop depositing and contact support in writing.
A sensible approach is to keep your main account with an established bookmaker from our betting sites ranking and use a new site as a second account until it has paid you smoothly a few times. For bonus comparisons, see our welcome bonus guide, and for how to confirm a licence, see licensed betting sites. Betting is for adults 18+ only.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the newest betting site in Kenya?
Among brands with a confirmed Kenyan presence, SportyBet's August 2025 relaunch is the most notable recent arrival. Smaller licensed sites such as BongoBongo, Kessbet and Kwikbet are also newer than the big jackpot brands.
Is SportyBet back in Kenya?
Yes. SportyBet left Kenya in 2022 and relaunched in August 2025 with M-Pesa deposits and withdrawals and a focus on cash out and live betting.
Are new betting sites safe?
Some are, some are not. Check for a Kenyan licence number and company in the footer, payments that show the brand's name, and terms in KES before depositing.
Why did Betsafe and Betway leave Kenya?
Betsafe cited high taxation when it ceased operations in May 2024. Betway stopped Kenyan deposits and registrations in May 2023, and its local company later went into liquidation amid a tax dispute.
