The Government has outlawed the importation of gambling machines in a move aimed at curbing juvenile crime in the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang`i said gambling machines have contributed to rising numbers of juvenile delinquency in urban areas, which is now escalating crime in the areas to epidemic proportions.
Matiang’I now wants border points, ports, security agencies and the Kenya Revenue Authority to be vigilant against such imports.
He was speaking Wednesday in Nakuru after witnessing the destruction of hundreds of gambling machines seized by security officers in recent weeks.
The Cabinet Secretary said the unlicensed machines were operated by unscrupulous business people and were enticing children to criminal activities in order to raise money for gambling.
He said gambling among school going children is negating the government`s bid to ensure all children enroll, are retained and complete school.
Dr. Matiang’i called on the regional security committee to sustain the raid against operators of the machines and subject culprits to the law in the quest to protect children against the heinous activity of gambling and averting juvenile crime in urban areas.
Matiang`i called on foreigners seeking jobs or wishing to do business in the country to conform to local statutes to avoid confrontation with the Government.
He cautioned any foreigners against working illegally in the country saying the Government was keen on weeding out illegal immigrants in a development he hopes will help mitigate crime perpetrated by the illegal immigrants.
By Jane Ngugi.
