This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Published on July 2, 2020, the government's sudden change of heart on betting firms has left many Kenyans bewildered.
When the government cracked down on betting companies, accusing them of fuelling addiction and further impoverishing Kenyans, it was widely cheered as a protector of the people.
However, with the apparent reopening of doors for the return of betting firms, questions are now arising about the government's decision to drop the 20 per cent excise duty on bets, contained in the Finance Bill assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta this week.
Could it be true that a change of ownership of the firms is what has cleared the suspicions and animosity?
The government must be consistent in policymaking in the people's interest and provide measures to prevent the entrenchment of the evils associated with betting.
