The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has decried the rising cases of mental health problems among teachers in the South Rift Region, pointing fingers at gambling as the main factor.
Kericho Branch Executive Secretary Mary Rotich lamented that the problems have led to cases of suicide and other societal problems.
According to Rotich, over four tutors have committed suicide while others are hospitalized due to depression, which she said is worrying.
“Over 4 tutors have committed suicide while others are hospitalized due to depression in our county. This is worrying and urgent action needs to be taken,” she said.
Speaking in Kericho town, she underscored the importance of being one another’s keeper, saying those with signs of depression need urgent assistance.
Insisting that gambling has aggravated the problem as financial difficulties force teachers to try luck, she appealed for an urgent ban of gaming as a way of gaining financial freedom.
“We have been keen on this matter and have found out that gambling is a major contributor to the problem. As a result, we appeal to the government to urgently ban gaming as a way of tackling the problem in the country,” added Rotich.
The unionist also appealed for concerted efforts to tackle the problem, noting that gambling is also a threat not only to family unity but the country’s economy as well.
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