Moses Kuria's New Plan to Benefit Gamblers

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria jumped to the defense of gamblers, stating that the government should open pension accounts for Kenyans involved in sports betting, instead of castigating them.

“By the way, you cannot stop betting. Since you cannot stop it, make good use of it. I am going to move an amendment on the ten percent excise duty that Finance CS Henry Rotich proposed on betting in the budget. Instead of giving that money to the government, which will end up being embezzled by corrupt people, let us open a pension account for each betting individual so that they retire to a pension,” Kuria insisted while speaking on NTV on Monday morning.

“We don’t have insurance, pensions nor savings for gamblers, yet we constantly criticise betting out of sheer jealousy,” the outspoken legislator added.

According to Kuria, betting has contributed significantly to the country's economy, with a good share of the money uplifting crucial sectors like the health sector.

“Just last week, we passed a supplementary budget. From that budget, Ksh6 billion, out of betting, went to Universal Health Care. That’s what will be used to develop the cancer centre everyone is talking about,” Kuria explained.

The Jubilee MP went on to reveal how much money companies were projected to contribute to the government.

“The Sports Fund was allocated Ksh30 billion this year. Out of it, 65 percent is going to health care. This year, we might get around Ksh22billion from betting, and it will be allocated to health care,” the Team-Wanjiku politician disclosed.

However, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and ODM Politician Jakoyo Midiwo differed with Kuria, insisting that betting is detrimental to the economy.

“I want to congratulate Interior CS Fred Matiang’i for withdrawing licenses for 19 betting companies. We should be socially responsible for betting,” Jakoyo highlighted.

“We cannot control a country that is turning into a national casino,” Khalwale chipped in. 

The future of 19 betting companies in Kenya is hanging in the balance after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i failed to renew their licenses because of withholding tax from the government.