This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Battling Betting Addiction Among University Students ¶
Published on September 12, 2019
Samuel Wakhungu, a third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, is struggling with a betting addiction that has consumed his life. For the past two weeks, Wakhungu has been working under supervision at the university's engineering lab as part of his internal attachment. However, he spends a significant amount of time each day betting, often to the detriment of his studies.
Wakhungu's addiction began in 2014 when he first started betting with Sport Pesa. He won Sh5,000 after predicting seven games correctly and has been hooked ever since. Despite trying to quit multiple times, Wakhungu finds it difficult to resist the temptation of betting, especially with the influence of his friends who have made significant profits from betting.
According to a report by Dr. Rachel Koross, 78% of students in tertiary institutions in Kenya are engaged in gambling. The report found that students are driven by a need for money, enjoyment, and boredom, with many using their winnings for entertainment and extravagant living.
Maalim Yusuf, a graduate of Kenyatta University, shares a similar story of how betting money has been used for debauchery. Ronald Juma, the dean of students at Pwani University, warns that gamblers never plan for the money they win, leading to a waste of resources and a high risk of losing both their investment and winnings.
Wakhungu's story is a stark reminder of the risks associated with betting addiction among university students. With the rise of online betting platforms and the influence of social media, it is essential for students to be aware of the dangers of betting and seek help if they are struggling with addiction.
