Bonface Kanyamwaya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than 10 years of financial, economic, business, markets, and aviation expertise, providing insights into Kenya and global trends.

The government has formed a rapid response team to tackle the rising cases of addiction to betting in Kenya, more so among the youth.

The team will spearhead a multi-sectoral intervention targeting the growing public health crisis in the country.

The team has been formed at a time when there has been widespread concern over the use of betting platforms such as Aviator.

" In response to this emerging public health threat, the ministry has constituted a rapid response team to provide a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to the crisis. The response includes the establishment of a dedicated helpline for individuals affected by gambling addiction," said Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni in a recent press statement, which was seen by

The ministry, she said will also deploy counselors to learning institutions to provide psychosocial support, roll out targeted public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the risks of online gambling.

The ministry will support a multi-agency study to assess the prevalence and full impact of gambling addiction in Kenya, to inform effective policy and programmatic responses.

The rapid response team, she said, will work with agencies such as the Directorate of Preventive and Promotive Health, Mental Health Division and Drugs and Substance Use Control Division, among others.

"The Ministry urges all parents, caregivers, and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting children and youth," she said adding "Monitor your children's mobile app usage, create open and non-jugmental convesations aout gaming, and be attentive to warning signs such as secrecy, sudden financial distress, or academic decline."

There has been deep concern about the increasing cases of gambling addiction in the country, particularly among young people.

Reports indicate that many young Kenyans are falling into severe gambling addiction, leading to financial distress, mental health deterioration as well as loss of lives.

These online platforms are designed to be addictive, using techniques that compel users to continuously engage in betting.

Muthoni is raising the alarm over online gaming in Kenya at a time the government has dismissed reports that Kenya spent KSh 766 billion on gambling.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board dismissed the figure, saying the amount inflates the size of the betting market in Kenya, misleading policymakers and the reality of the regulated operators

The gaming sector earns the country KSh 22.3 billion in taxes from gaming and betting excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings.

Source: TUKO.co.ke