Kenyans have taken to social media to express mixed reactions after betting firms Sportpesa and Betin closed their operations in the country over hostile business environment.
A report in one of the local dailies indicates that the firms cited the increased tax in the industry as one of the reasons for exiting the Kenyan market.
Kenyans on Twitter were divided on the matter as some praised the exit while others blamed the government for creating a hostile working environment for business.
A section of KOT believed the exit of SportPesa and Betin would help cub gambling in the country which was becoming addictive to the youth.
They argued that youths were relying more on betting which is not a stable source of income instead of looking for jobs or starting up their own business. They, therefore, welcomed the move by Sportpesa and Betin warmly.
Those who opposed the exit of the two betting firms claimed the government had overlooked the fact that the firms were providing employment to hundreds of youths in the country.
They blamed the government for forcing the companies out of business through heavy taxation yet there was no solid plan to provide employment to the staff who were laid off by the companies.
Besides unemployment, they also pointed out that the government will now have to grapple with less revenue.