Published on April 21, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
The Ministry of Health has come up with responses following the increasing cases of gambling addiction in the country.
In a statement on Monday, Public Health PS Mary Muriuki noted the deep concern particularly among the young people addicted to gambling, driven by the growing popularity of online 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,” she said
The responses includes establishment of a dedicated helpline for individuals affected by gambling addiction.
Muriuki said they will deploy counsellors to learning institutions to provide psychosocial support, and roll-out of 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, with a view to informing effective policy and programmatic responses,” she added.
Secondly, as part of the ongoing reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA), Muriuki confirmed that rehabilitation and addiction, including gambling, are now included in the healthcare benefit packages.
“Beyond the existing outpatient mental health services, the government will cover rehabilitation and addiction management costs,” she said.
She urged individuals and families affected by gambling addiction to take full advantage of the critical support.
“Our accredited rehabilitation facilities are equipped to offer comprehensive therapy and treatment,” she said.
“This coverage underscores our commitment to recognising addiction as a serious health condition that warrants proper medical attention and care.”
Thirdly, the ministry has brought together a multi-agency team, led by the mental health division, comprising of the directorate of preventive and promotive health, mental health division, drugs and substance use control division health and wellness division.
Others are health education and promotion division, Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Gilgil Mental Health Hospital, Psychology and Counsellors Board, and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).
Additionally, as part of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month in May, under the theme “Community,” the ministry will intensify national efforts to promote mental wellness.
The week of May 12 to May 18, 2025 will feature focused activities to address gambling addiction across counties.
The responses have been occasioned by reports that many young Kenyans are falling into severe gambling addiction, leading to financial distress, mental health deterioration and tragically, incidents of suicide.
Muriuki noted that the online platforms are designed to be addictive, using techniques that compel users to continuously engage in betting.
“The consequences are dire and require urgent, coordinated intervention,” Muriuki said.
Industry data released recently shows Kenyans spent over Sh766 billion on gambling in 2024 – that’s Sh2.1 billion daily and over Sh24,000 every second, defying a government crackdown and pushing for responsible gambling, amid high taxation.
The average punter in Kenya spends Sh1,825 per month on gambling.
According to a survey titled, “Betting in Africa 2024”, by global firm Geopoll, Kenya emerged as a standout, with 82.81 per cent of its respondents having placed bets.
