Did you know that betting in Kenya started as early as 1966?, just 3 years after we gained independence. This was after it was legalized through the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act. However, gambling was a common practice among African countries even before it being legalized.
In the past few years, we have seen the betting space growing fast. I remember in 2014 when SportPesa was starting, it was the only digital betting firm in Kenya. Due to its solo existence, many people flooded the site, you could hear nearly everyone talking of SportPesa until they started enjoying the monopoly a bit too much, and that is when competition came in. Sites like Betika, Betin, 1xBet were started and the competition started.
In 2025, there is a new Kid in the blog seeming to shake things up. Kessbet is one of the platforms that has caught people’s attention and not because it's the biggest or flashiest, but because it’s been quietly building a presence in the local market.
So, for those who are knew I know you might be wondering, what is Kessbet? Who is it for? And where does it fit in Kenya’s crowded betting landscape?
In this article, I am going to share with you, step by step on what is Kessbet, is it the right platform for you and the good features the betting platform has against its competitors. Before I begin, I would like to remind you that betting is addictive, you have to be 18 years and above to start betting in Kenya. More importantly, learn the right financial education so that you can bet responsibly.
Kessbet is a Kenya-based betting platform licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). That means it operates legally within the country's regulations. Moreover, it supports M-Pesa when you want to deposit or withdraw your money after winning.
Like most platforms within the betting industry, Kessbet offers:
In regard to the interface of this betting platform, its very simple and can be operated by anyone whether you are operating on a mobile phone or personal computer (PC). I had to mention this because I know many bettors want a platform that they can easily get in, place a bet and move on with other things in their life.
As mentioned above, the platform is simple to use, one will clearly see that it was built with the average Kenyan bettor in mind. The process of creating an account on their website is easy and the registration form is short as it can be seen in the picture below.
Once you're in, depositing through M-Pesa is straightforward.
The platform focuses mainly on football, especially the English Premier League, Champions League, and local matches like FKF Premier League games. This makes sense. Football is where most betting activity happens in Kenya, and the site reflects that.
However, besides soccer, they also have Basketball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Baseball, Volleyball, Cricket, Handball, Darts, Rugby, Ice Hokey and casino for bettors who like betting on games such as the popular Aviator games.
Kessbet is not as widely known or as heavily marketed as some of the bigger players in the market. You won’t see it on billboards or major sports sponsorships. But it’s building slowly and more importantly, staying accessible.
That’s not to say it’s without gaps. Some users might find the range of sports limited compared to international platforms. Others might prefer apps over browser-only access. But for many local punters, especially those who prefer simplicity and quick transactions, those trade-offs aren’t dealbreakers.
To put it in context, Kessbet is one of several local betting companies trying to offer an alternative to more dominant or international brands. It sits somewhere in the middle; not brand new, but also not yet a household name.
Compared to sites that are purely international (like Betway or 1xBet), Kessbet feels more focused on the day-to-day Kenyan bettor. It might not have the biggest jackpots or the most markets, but it does the basics well enough for someone who just wants to place a few bets on Saturday football and withdraw without stress.
It's also worth noting that, as with any betting site, users should approach with care; read terms, understand odds formats, and avoid betting beyond their limits. That’s true whether you’re using a local platform like Kessbet or a global giant.
Kessbet doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It offers a betting experience that’s straightforward, mobile-friendly, and tailored for the Kenyan market. It won’t be for everyone, especially players looking for a wide variety of sports or flashy bonus programs. But if you’re just looking for a platform that does the basics; football odds, virtual games, M-Pesa support then Kessbet fits into that conversation.
As always, it’s good to explore, compare, and make sure whichever platform you choose aligns with your needs and betting habits. Kessbet is one option among many, and its presence adds to the diversity of choices now available to Kenyan players.
The Fineducke Team is a group of passionate writers, researchers, & finance enthusiasts dedicated to helping the youth make smarter money decisions. From saving tips, investment ideas to digital income guides, our team works together to bring you easy-to-understand, practical content tailored for everyday life believing financial education should be simple & relatable.
Leave a Comment:
Please log in to leave a comment.
Comments:
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!