Create jobs to curb gambling, government told

Locals have told members of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism to push for job creations in order to address gambling.

They argued that many unemployed youths were getting involved in gambling because they lack an alternative source of income.

Speaking during a public participation meeting in Kakamega yesterday, members of the public lamented that hopelessness and lack of jobs have forced the youths to rely on betting as an income-generating activity.

While some wanted betting and casino shops closed, some wanted the sites to be operational but regulated by the government to avoid the flaws.

“When we voted the current government, the manifesto was that there will be over 10,000 jobs created. However, to date, the promise is yet to be fulfilled making the graduate but unemployed youths turn to gambling to meet their needs,” said Grace Omega Imali.

She asked the government to move with speed to create jobs to make them busy.

“You won’t see the employed people and those above the poverty line betting. Over 98 per cent is made of youths desperate for jobs and since they are not busy, they find themselves betting which has been enabled by the use of phone,” said Ms Imali.

She said the practice has promoted theft in homes as jobless youths steal from parents to place their bets.

Peter Okwako urged the legislators to compel the betting firms not to sponsor teams outside the country with money generated within the country.

“We are in a situation where the money is generated in Kenya by youths who are gambling. However, the same is being used in other nations and leaving very little for use within the country which we should collectively reject,” said Mr Okwako.

He sought to make it law for the money generated through gambling to go to support talent schools and sports academies all over the country alongside establishing stadia all over the country.

“The government had promised to construct at least five stadia within five years. It is now seven years yet we are yet to see this promise being fulfilled. I pray that since the betting firms realize high profits, let them support local talents and construct the stadia,” he said.

Jared Aura asked the Members of Parliament not to scrap off gambling in its entirety saying the firms have sponsored local football teams previously neglected by the government.

Ibrahim Khalala, an imam at a local mosque maintained that gambling has brought about many ills as some have committed suicide after losing in their bets.

The MPs were on a public participation exercise at Salvation Army Church, Amalemba Shapel for the Gaming Bill 2019.

Those in attendance include the committee chair Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town MP) and his deputy Lemein Korei (Narok South).

Others include Christopher Omulele (Luanda) Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Lydiah Haika (Taita Taveta), Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Jacquiline Adhiambo (nominated) and Christine Ombaka (Siaya).

The committee is headed to Eldoret before they table the Bill in parliament for debate.