Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua has decried rising number of people in the country relying on betting to earn a living.
The CEO said betting among Kenyans has grown exponentially over a short period.
Mutua expressed fears that betting has even attracted persons under the age of 18 years, saying that this if not checked will adversely impact on their morals.
He chided law enforcing agencies for allowing betting machines, most of them from China which are operating deep in the villages, thus attracting underage persons.
“It is wrong for government agencies to allow gambling machines into villages because this has made children to steal from their parents to sustain their gambling behaviour. The situation must be corrected before getting out of hand,” Mutua said.
He also blamed the media especially broadcast for promoting betting by running what he described as sensational advertisement. “Media should be careful in its operations by giving Kenyans correct information on how to make money. They should let people know that you cannot make money through unfathomable ways such as betting,” he said.
Mutua was speaking in Nyeri town an event to mark Founderree’s Day attended by thousands of boys’ scouts and girl guides.