Gambling. Photo | AI-generated.
The rise of sports betting among Kenyan youth has led to significant financial losses and psychological distress, with some cases ending tragically.
In March 2024, Brian Ongwae, a 22-year-old university student from the Catholic University of East Africa, was found dead in his rented room in Raila village, Lang’ata.
Reports indicate that he had lost Sh15,000 meant for tuition fees in a betting scheme.
Similarly, in June 2024, Kevin Omwenga, a teacher at Nyamira High School, allegedly took his own life after losing Sh50,000 in the Aviator betting game.
Omwenga had borrowed the money from colleagues, promising to refund it after making profits. After losing everything, he reportedly locked himself in his house, leaving behind a note apologizing for his actions.
A study conducted at Mama Ngina University College highlighted that potential income, entertainment, and peer pressure are primary factors attracting youthful students to sports betting.
The media was identified as a significant driver of this behavior.
The study further revealed that 80 percent of the students involved in sports betting missed classes or assignments, leading to a decline in academic performance.
Additionally, sports betting led to increased stress and anxiety among students, with reduced social interactions.
Economically, sports betting drained the resources of most students, with nearly 70.9 percent reporting borrowing money or taking loans to fund their betting activities.
The psychological consequences of gambling addiction among college students are particularly acute.
The thrill of betting can quickly morph into a compulsive behavior, leading to a cascade of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Studies have shown that approximately 6 percent of college students are at risk of developing gambling problems, compared to 1 percent to 5 percent in the general population.
The financial implications are equally distressing, with many students gambling with money they cannot afford to lose, jeopardizing their ability to pay for tuition, rent, and other essential expenses.
Way Forward
The accessibility of betting apps exacerbates the issue. Unlike traditional gambling, which often requires a trip to a casino, sports betting is available at the tap of a smartphone.
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This 24/7 access removes a crucial barrier to entry, allowing students to bet impulsively during lectures, study sessions, or even in the middle of the night.
The immediacy of online betting, combined with the delayed impact of financial consequences, creates a dangerous cycle of dependency and loss.
Authorities have raised concerns over the increasing number of gambling-related cases, warning that the trend is pushing many young people into financial ruin.
Betting control agencies have called for stricter regulations to curb excessive gambling, even as betting companies continue to expand their presence in the country.
