Authorities in Kajiado North Sub-County have intensified efforts to combat illegal gambling by confiscating and destroying 52 unauthorised gambling machines in a major crackdown conducted on Thursday.
The operation supervised by Kajiado North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Yusuf Mohamed, together with members of the Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committee, carried out coordinated raids across several business premises suspected of allowing illegal gambling activities.
During the exercise, officers seized 52 illegal gambling machines from various locations within the sub-county.
The confiscated machines were later publicly destroyed through burning at the Kenya Traffic Training School, Ngong, as part of government measures to curb the spread of unlawful gambling.
Speaking during the exercise, the DCC said the operation was prompted by growing concerns over the harmful social and economic impact of illegal gambling, particularly among young people.
He noted that the vice has contributed to youth addiction, school dropouts, and financial hardship among families.
Mohamed issued a stern warning to operators involved in illegal gambling, urging them to stop the practice immediately or face legal action.
He also called on members of the public to report any ongoing illegal gambling activities to National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the police.
The crackdown is part of a wider government initiative aimed at enforcing regulations, safeguarding communities, and maintaining law and order in Kajiado North Sub-County.
Many youth, lured by promises of quick money, are spending long hours and large sums of cash on unauthorised gambling machines, often neglecting education, work, and family responsibilities in pursuit of unrealistic financial gains.
Stakeholders are now calling for tougher enforcement measures, increased public awareness campaigns, and alternative economic opportunities for young people to reduce vulnerability to gambling addiction.
They emphasize that addressing the issue will require a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies, parents, schools, religious institutions, and community organisations.
By Wangari Ndirangu
