Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is once again talking tough on gambling.
Matiang’i has faulted betting companies for corrupting the youth, and leaving many in financial holes. He revealed that over 500,000 Kenyans have been blacklisted by the CRB, majority of whom borrow from lending apps for the sole purpose of gambling.
The CS spoke on Monday during a meeting with stakeholders from the industry.
He revealed that the average income of most gamblers is between Sh5,000 and Sh10,000 a month, with most having no stable job.
Matiang’i has hinted at deporting foreign directors of these betting companies, some who have no genuine work permits. “I have no problem signing deportation letters today so they can leave the country tonight,” he said.
He added that he has instructed the IG and DCI to review the list of directors by end of Monday.
About 5,000 Kenyans and 100 foreigners are employed by the betting industry. However, most of the profit is shipped abroad.
“Uncontrolled gambling has reorganized the financial lives of poor Kenyans in very drastic ways. This money is directly pocketed by firms owned by non-Kenyans, a huge chunk of which is transferred to foreign capitals, and very little is left in circulation here in Kenya,” Matiang’i noted.
