This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On October 1, 2019, Kieni MP Kanini Kega expressed relief at the decision by Sportpesa and Betin to exit the Kenyan market, stating that this move would help improve the lives of the youth.
According to Kega, who heads the National Assembly's Committee on Trade, the mushrooming of betting firms in Kenya had a detrimental effect on the economy and led to the transformation of some Kenyan youths into addicts and unproductive members of society.
Speaking at Kabiruini Grounds, Kega emphasized that betting does not create wealth and that the kind of companies the government should support are those that come in terms of industries that will create job opportunities for the people.
“Betting does not create wealth,” Kega said, adding that the closure of Sportpesa and Betin was unfortunate but necessary for the country's economic growth.
