Gambling Crisis in Kenyan Universities: A Threat to Education and Wellbeing

A recent study conducted by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has unveiled a disturbing trend in Kenyan universities—gambling is increasingly undermining the education and wellbeing of students. The research, spearheaded by the institution’s Schools of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences, highlights a growing gambling crisis with profound implications for academic performance and personal health.

The study, titled “Gambling Effects among Vulnerable Groups in Public Universities (GEPU),” reveals that gambling has become alarmingly prevalent among students and staff, with prevalence rates ranging between 70% and 75%. At JOOUST alone, it is estimated that over Ksh60 million is spent annually on gambling activities. This staggering figure reflects a broader issue affecting multiple universities across the country.

Between February and July this year, the GEPU research team, supported by the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research at the University of Bristol, sampled 385 students and 21 staff members. The study used snowball and purposive sampling methods and conducted focus group discussions with student leadership and religious groups to gather comprehensive data. The findings are troubling: participants spend over Ksh1.2 million weekly on various gambling activities, including online betting, aviator games, wheel spinning, cards, and pool.

The research reveals that over 70% of students and staff are involved in gambling. Of these, 27.5% of students are categorized as high-risk gamblers, while 41.6% are classified as moderate-risk. Among staff, 4.8% fall into the moderate-risk category. These findings were assessed using the Canadian Problem Gambling Severity Index, which measures the extent of gambling issues.

Gregory Jumah, the Principal Investigator and a PhD student at JOOUST, underscores the severe impact of gambling on vulnerable groups within Kenyan public universities. According to Jumah, gambling serves as a source of income, recreation, and a means to alleviate anxiety for many, despite its detrimental effects. He notes that gambling’s addictive nature leads to harmful psycho-social consequences, including financial loss, poor academic performance, and diminished work productivity.

The study’s results are stark: gambling has been linked to strained relationships and psychological issues among students and staff. Notably, 57% of students and 14% of staff engaged in gambling reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, highlighting the severe mental health implications of this issue.

Jumah emphasizes that the research aimed to understand the scope of gambling’s impact on vulnerable groups at JOOUST and to develop effective intervention strategies. The study’s findings indicate an urgent need for comprehensive support systems to address gambling addiction and its effects. Institutions must implement preventive measures and provide counseling services to mitigate the adverse impacts of gambling on their communities.

The JOOUST research serves as a wake-up call for Kenyan universities and policymakers. Addressing the gambling crisis requires a coordinated effort to enhance awareness, provide support for those affected, and implement strategies to reduce gambling’s prevalence and impact. By taking proactive steps, universities can safeguard the education and wellbeing of their students and staff, ensuring a healthier and more productive academic environment.

In summary, the findings from JOOUST paint a troubling picture of gambling’s impact on Kenyan universities. With a significant portion of students and staff engaged in gambling, there is an urgent need for targeted interventions to address this growing issue and protect the educational and personal futures of those affected.