A renowned blogger Robert Alai has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to ban sports betting in the country.
Reacting to news of Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of banning sports betting in his nation, Alai observed the craze has destroyed lives of so many people and asked the Head of State to do just like his counterpart has done.
"Uganda HAS BANNED Sports Betting. BEST NEWS ever. We must stop the betting craze destroying this country and mopping money from the hands of the poorest. President @UKenyatta you MUST listen to our cries," the blogger tweeted on
According to media reports, Museveni gave the directive upon the realization that the betting craze has had a negative impact among young Ugandans.
The country's Finance Minister David Bahati announced on Sunday that he has been ordered to stop issuing licenses to sports betting, gaming and gambling companies.
"From now onwards, no new companies are going to be licensed. Those which are already registered, no renewal of licenses when they expire," said Bahati.
There are over 400 licensed sports betting sites in Kenya, and more continue to apply for registration.
Sportpesa, Betin, Betway, Elitebet, Mcheza, Shabiki, Helabet, Sportybet, Betyetu, Primer Bets are some of the sports betting firms that have been licensed by the Betting Control And Licencing Board (BCLB).