By Ebi Kesiena
The Kenyan government has vowed to tackle the growing menace of betting addiction among the country’s youth, warning that it poses a threat as serious as drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at a recent event, Principal Secretary for Interior, Dr Raymond Omollo, expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in youth gambling. He likened betting addiction to a form of substance abuse, stressing that urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of the nation’s young people.
“We are losing a number of Kenyans, particularly the young ones, who have been hooked into betting,” Dr Omollo said. “We are working to clean up the betting space and call on everyone to support government efforts in reining in rogue operators who exploit our youth.”
He emphasised that the government would not stand by while unscrupulous businesses take advantage of vulnerable young Kenyans, warning of severe social consequences if the trend continues unchecked.
Dr Omollo also assured that authorities will collaborate closely with stakeholders, including community leaders and civil society, to create a healthier and more resilient society.
“We will work together to address the concerns so that we have a society that can develop,” he affirmed.
The government’s renewed crackdown on unregulated betting signals a strong commitment to protecting Kenya’s youth and steering them towards a more promising and productive future.
