Nairobi: Baringo Central deputy county commissioner (DCC) Henry Tiya has issued a strict order prohibiting any form of gambling within the area. This decision marks a significant step in the county’s efforts to curb the rising trend of gambling among the youth.

According to Kenya News Agency, the deputy county commissioner stated that the measure was implemented after a series of unheeded warnings to the youth to abandon gambling. The announcement was made at Kabarnet National Museum grounds during the launch of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursary distribution, an event presided over by area member of parliament Joshua Kandie.

Tiya highlighted that a considerable portion of the local youth, particularly in Kabarnet town, have become involved in gambling. He noted that even when his officers confiscate and destroy gambling machines, new ones are promptly replaced. In response, Tiya declared that the crackdown will now extend to arresting both the owners of these machines an
d the gamblers themselves.

The commissioner also issued a warning to individuals involved in the sale of second-generation alcohol and illicit traditional brews, emphasizing that the primary goal is to safeguard the well-being of residents. “We are readying our patrol vehicles and we shall deal with all the lawbreakers firmly and ruthlessly,” he asserted.

Tiya appealed for support from all stakeholders to eliminate these vices, which he noted have resulted in women assuming responsibilities such as begging for relief food and school fees for their families. MP Joshua Kandie recognized the issue and pledged his support to the DCC to address the matter decisively. Kandie announced plans to convene a meeting in May with village elders and chiefs to develop effective strategies to combat social ills. He also praised the chiefs whose areas have shown improvement through collaboration with other actors to ensure community safety.