State cracks down on betting firms as youth get hooked to the vice

By , April 28, 2025

The government has launched a crackdown on betting firms to save young people hooked to gambling, exposing them to various financial and health risks. Reports indicate that gambling addiction among young people is on the rise, with persons aged between 16 and 24 becoming addicted.

The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that, unlike casinos, online gambling sites are always open and frequently require little age verification.

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned that betting has left many in poverty, led to suicides and even pushed some youth to be involved in criminal activities

Dangerous addiction

More youth are falling into this dangerous addiction since gambling is now only a few phone taps away, with games that pass as entertainment, according to the authorities.

“Our people are hooked on betting, and we are focused on cleaning this space. We are targeting rogue businessmen and women and call on the public to help security officers rein in these rogue individuals,” said Dr Omollo. He added, “Changes will be done to protect Kenyans who are addicted to betting, which has left many in poverty. Some have committed suicide, while others engage in criminal activities to get betting money.”

The PS was speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama town hall meeting in Machakos, where he also directed that politicians luring jobless youth into criminal gangs should be apprehended and charged.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has also ordered TV and radio broadcasters to cut down betting, lottery, and gambling content within 14 days or risk having their licences withdrawn.

Betting programmes

In a notice by Director General David Mugonyi, the authority raised concerns over complaints from consumers about the betting-related programming aired on television and FM radio stations. The broadcasters are required under Sections 461(1) and (c) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, to provide responsible programming that meets the needs of different sections of the community, observe good taste and decency, and ensure that advertisements are not deceptive or offensive.

“The authority has observed that programming with respect to betting, lottery and gambling activities for most broadcasting stations exceeds the approved quota in the programme schedule contrary to the provisions in the Licence Conditions, Programming Code and Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” Mugonyi said in the letter dated April 23.

The authority also cited breaches of the FM Radio and TV Licence Conditions on Adherence to the Programme Code and Complaints Handling Procedure, including failure to protect children and lapses in advertising standards.

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