The betting industry in Kenya is rapidly growing with many betting firms investing millions in the venture.
However, the rate at which young men and women are getting addicted to betting is worrying.
For instance, in Eldoret town, it is evident that the majority of youths spend all day betting. They use all the money they have on betting. Sadly, some never win.
“For the few months I have worked here, I can tell you that youths are wasting a lot of their time and money, they borrow money from friends and even parents, some campus students even use fees and rent to bet and in most cases end up being depressed after their bets failing to materialize”, said Nathaniel Too who works in a Betin shop in Eldoret.
He adds that a lot of youths have dedicated their efforts to betting and cannot think about something else.
Hivisasa talked to the majority of youths at betting joints in Eldoret town and found out how addicted they are to betting.
“Recently, I lost my rent to a multibet, my house was closed and I had to seek refuge at a friend’s house, but I can not quit betting yet since am addicted though am yet to win anything good," said Edward Kosut, a freelance journalist in Eldoret.
Some of the popular betting firms in Kenya include Sportpesa and Betin among others.
Different stakeholders including Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i have decried that betting addiction is driving a lot of young minds to the edge.
In a directive to all betting firms a fortnight ago, the CS said that no firm will have its license renewed until they pay full taxes as stipulated by the law.
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