MINISTRY OF HEALTH RAISES ALARM ON THE RISE OF ONLINE GAMBLING ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE 

The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, has issued a warning over the escalating public health crises linked to online gambling addiction and substance abuse, calling for urgent nationwide intervention.

The Ministry has observed with grave concern the rapid rise of gambling addiction, particularly among young Kenyans lured by easily accessible online platforms such as Aviator. “Many young Kenyans are falling into severe gambling addiction, leading to financial distress, mental health deterioration and tragically incidents of suicide, what initially appeared to be harmless, digital games is in reality, a trap that exploits psychological vulnerabilities resulting into behaviour similar to substance addiction,” the statement read.

Kenya faces an equally substance abuse epidemic. Latest data indicates that 17% of Kenyans aged 15–65 (4.7 million people) suffer from substance use disorders, with devastating ripple effects on health, families, and economic productivity. “Current data indicates that approximately 4.7 million Kenyans, representing 17% of the population aged 15 to 65 years, are grappling with some form of substance use disorder. This reality paints a grim picture and the devastating health social and economic consequences facing families and communities nationwide,” the statement added.

To combat these dual threats, the Ministry has mobilised a rapid response team to implement a coordinated, nationwide action plan, including: A 24/7 Gambling Addiction Helpline (Dial 719) for crisis support and counseling. Deployment of Psychosocial Counselors to schools and universities to assist affected youth. National Awareness Campaigns to educate the public on gambling and substance abuse risks. A Multi-Agency Study to assess the full impact of gambling and guide evidence-based policies.

The Ministry urges: Media: To promote responsible reporting and public awareness. Educational Institutions: To integrate addiction education into curricula. Religious & Community Leaders: To offer guidance and support networks and Tech Companies & Gaming Operators: To enforce stricter controls and ethical compliance.