This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenya's betting industry is at a standstill, with the government's latest move to suspend pay bill numbers and SMS short codes for betting companies sparking outrage among agents.
On Monday, hundreds of agents operating under various betting companies gathered in Embakasi to express their discontent with the government's decision.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has been accused of refusing to engage with stakeholders in the stalemate surrounding the gambling industry.
Agents, who are mainly youth, claim that the government's stance is ill-informed and that they are willing to adhere to all regulations set.
They accused the government of taking away the only source of income for thousands of unemployed youth while failing to keep its promise of job creation.
According to Mr. Collins Ochieng, a betting agent, 'The government has not involved the stakeholders who will be affected by the decision yet we are willing to adhere to all the regulations set.'
Mr. Mike Baraza, who owns three shops in Embakasi under Betin Company, added, 'The government should be realistic on the number of youth with actual jobs because majority are now relying on betting for survival.'
Mr. Dickson Oktoi, who owns seven betting shops in Kitale, warned that shutting down the sector will leave thousands of families without a source of income.
