- KNUT warns that rising gambling among youth is destroying lives, with cases of suicide and teachers also falling victim.
- KNUT Bomet Executive Secretary Desmond Langat urges the government to outlaw gambling, citing its constitutional duty to protect citizens from harmful practices.
- KNUT accuses education officials of negligence and corruption in approving unsafe school buildings, citing the Tenwek Boys fire as a wake‑up call.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed concern over the growing gambling addiction among young people, warning that the trend is destroying lives and affecting productivity.
Speaking in Bomet County, KNUT Bomet Executive Secretary Desmond Langat said many young people have become so addicted to gambling that they can no longer engage in meaningful economic or social activities.
“Gambling has become a serious crisis. Many of our youths are addicted to the extent that they can no longer engage in productive activities. This is a worrying trend that requires urgent government intervention,” Langat said.
He cited a recent incident in Kaptwolo where a young man allegedly died by suicide after losing school fees through gambling.
Langat further claimed that the vice has also affected members of the teaching profession, saying some teachers have taken their own lives after losing money in gambling.
“We have also witnessed teachers fall victim to gambling addiction, with some ending up taking their own lives after suffering financial losses. This is unacceptable, and decisive action must be taken,” he said.
Langat called on the government to outlaw gambling, arguing that it has a constitutional duty to protect citizens from harmful practices.
“The government has a responsibility to safeguard its people. We are calling for a ban on these gambling activities before more lives are lost,” he added.
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On the recent cases of unrest and safety incidents in schools, Langat accused some education officials, including Quality Assurance officers, of corruption and negligence.
He alleged that some officers approve school buildings without conducting proper inspections in exchange for kickbacks, exposing learners and staff to unnecessary risks.
“Some of these officers are more interested in kickbacks than ensuring schools meet safety standards. Buildings are being approved without proper assessment, and this must stop. Loss of lives can and should be prevented,” he said.
Referring to the recent fire at Tenwek Boys High School, Langat said the incident underscored the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards in learning institutions.
“The recent fire at Tenwek Boys should serve as a wake-up call. Authorities must prioritise school safety instead of waiting for tragedies to occur,” he said.
KNUT has now called for thorough investigations into alleged negligence and corruption within the education sector, urging the government to hold culpable officers accountable and make the safety of learners and teachers a top priority.
By Kimutai Langat
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