Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called on the Ministry of Interior to draft a bill aimed at regulating betting companies.
In a statement dated Friday, May 2, Omtatah expressed concern over the lack of sufficient regulation in the betting industry.
He added that there needed to be public scrutiny on the companies that have prioritised profits over the well-being of society.
"The National government, through the Ministry of Interior and the Betting Control and Licensing Board, should take the lead in drafting a bill to regulate this sector and return it to public oversight. We must pass legislation that puts the well-being of Kenyans above corporate profit," he stated.
"Our youth are not a market to exploit. They are the builders of our future, must be protected, and it has been known that the future is here."
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Therefore, he supported the recent actions taken by the government, which included the suspension of betting adverts in the media.
"Today, unregulated private betting firms exploit the poor, fuel addiction, and export their profits while leaving behind despair. I fully support the government’s action," Omtatah added.
Betting addiction, especially among the youth, has been a concern in recent years.
Notably, Kenya was listed among the countries that lead in betting in Africa in a report by GeoPoll.
According to the report, the majority of Kenyans who bet spend less than Ksh1,200 per month. However, some spend over Ksh60,000 per month.
