This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i expressed satisfaction with the ongoing crackdown on gambling machines and betting companies in Kenya.
Speaking at Jamia Mosque, Matiang'i stated that the war on gambling has not been smooth sailing but continues to bear fruit.
He urged Kenyans to join the government in the war against gambling, which has seen two leading betting firms shut down their operations in Kenya, leading to significant job losses.
“Data shows since we started a crackdown on gambling, change has been seen. It has not been a bed of roses but I am resolute in stopping it. No country has been built by gambling. This must be fought by every Kenyan,” said Matiang'i.
Garissa Township Member of Parliament and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, speaking during the same function, stated that gambling needs to be banned completely, terming it “a threat to national security.”
On September 28, 2019, betting firms SportPesa and Betin halted their operations in Kenya, marking the final straw in their long-drawn taxation and regulatory tussle with the Kenyan Government.
According to an internal memo, Betin Managing Director cited financial constraints as the reason for the shutdown, stating that attempts to find an alternative between July and September had been futile.
SportPesa soon followed suit, with Chief Executive Officer Ronald Karauri disclosing the firm’s decision to send home all its 400 employees.
