Mwala Deputy County commissioner Arphaxard Gitonga has urged youths to shun engaging in betting activities, citing that it has contributed to idleness among them.
Addressing a group of youth in Makutano on Tuesday, Gitonga said that betting has caused many youths to relax and stop finding jobs believing they can make money from betting.
"Betting has taken a toll on our youths, you will find them sitting idle betting hoping to make ends meet by betting," he said.
He observed that a lot of youths have started engaging in theft to have money for betting.
He said that parents have began complaining of losing money, chicken and other things from home.
"In order to bet the youths have turned to small theft at home, pesa ikiwekwa vibya anapita nayo anaenda kubet, kuku zinapotea nyumbani pia," he noted.
He urged them to form groups that will enable them access loans and jobs from the government in a bid to improve their lives.
He said that there are many untapped opportunities for the youths in the government and its up to them to take advantage.