In Other News · Kenya

Source: Kenya Today

Kenya's gambling industry is facing fresh scrutiny over the conduct of betting company Pakakumi, whose promotional roadshows in public spaces have raised serious questions about the protection of children, compliance with gambling advertising restrictions and the willingness of regulators to confront operators whose marketing activities expose minors to betting. Pakakumi's roadshow activities have become the subject of criticism over the exposure of children under the age of 18 to gambling promotions. The issue goes beyond ordinary commercial advertising and strikes at the heart of Kenya's responsibility to protect minors from gambling-related harm. Public roads, shopping centres, residential neighbourhoods and other community spaces are shared environments. They are not restricted gambling establishments where operators can verify the ages of everyone present. When betting promotions are taken into such environments, children can encounter gambling messages regardless of whether they have consented to participate or whether their parents approve. The central question is therefore straightforward: why should a gambling company be allowed to pursue customers through promotional activities that bring betting advertisements into spaces occupied by children? Pakakumi must account for its promotional practices, while the Gambling Regulatory Authority must establish whether the roadshows complied with the law and whether adequate safeguards were...