Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County| In a passionate appeal to the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet, Women Representative Carolyne Ngelechei has called for a shift away from the allure of sports betting, urging young people to embrace wise investment strategies for sustainable financial security.
Speaking at a community forum in Iten, Ngelechei highlighted the growing trend of betting among the county’s youth, particularly young men, and expressed concern over its detrimental impact on their financial futures.
The Betting Trap: A Risky Gamble
Ngelechei voiced alarm at the increasing number of young people who channel their limited resources into betting platforms, chasing the elusive dream of instant wealth.
“There is no shortcut to riches,” she emphasized, challenging the youth to reflect on the tangible outcomes of their betting habits. “Just think of the money you spend on betting and ask yourself—how many youth in this county have actually won anything substantial?”
Her remarks come amid a nationwide conversation about the social and economic consequences of betting in Kenya, where the industry has seen exponential growth over the past decade.
According to a 2023 report by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), over 70% of Kenyan youth aged 18–35 have engaged in some form of betting, with many spending significant portions of their income on these activities.
In rural areas like Elgeyo Marakwet, where employment opportunities are scarce, the promise of quick riches can be particularly enticing, yet the odds of winning remain slim.
A Call for Financial Discipline
Ngelechei advocated for a mindset shift, urging the youth to redirect their resources toward productive and sustainable ventures. She emphasized the importance of patience, discipline, and long-term planning in building wealth.
“You can use that same money you spend on betting to start small projects,” she advised. “With time, your investment will grow and give you returns far better than betting ever will.”
The Women Representative pointed to agriculture as a viable avenue for investment, given Elgeyo Marakwet’s fertile lands and favorable climate.
She highlighted opportunities in high-value crops like avocados, passion fruits, and coffee, as well as poultry and dairy farming, which have proven lucrative for local farmers.
“Agriculture is not just about tilling the land; it’s about creating wealth through smart, consistent efforts,” she said, encouraging young people to explore agribusiness as a path to financial independence.
Empowering Youth Through Education and Opportunity
Beyond agriculture, Ngelechei stressed the need for financial literacy programs to equip the youth with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions.
She called on local leaders, NGOs, and financial institutions to collaborate in providing training on budgeting, saving, and investing.
“Our young people need to understand the power of compound growth and the risks of speculative ventures like betting,” she noted.
Her remarks align with broader efforts in Kenya to promote financial inclusion among the youth.
Initiatives like the Hustler Fund and youth-focused saccos have aimed to provide affordable credit and savings options, enabling young people to start small businesses or invest in income-generating activities.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, cooperatives and microfinance institutions have also played a role in supporting young entrepreneurs, though access to such resources remains a challenge in remote areas.
Addressing the Root Causes
Ngelechei’s appeal also touched on the socioeconomic factors driving the betting craze, including unemployment and limited access to capital.
She urged the national and county governments to prioritize job creation and entrepreneurship programs tailored to the youth. “When young people have opportunities to earn and grow, they are less likely to fall into the trap of betting,” she said.
Her call to action resonates with findings from a 2024 study by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), which identified unemployment as a key driver of risky financial behaviors among Kenyan youth.
The study recommended targeted interventions, such as vocational training and startup grants, to empower young people economically.
A Vision for a Prosperous Future
Ngelechei’s message is a clarion call for the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet to take charge of their financial destinies.
By advocating for disciplined investment over speculative gambling, she hopes to inspire a generation to build lasting wealth and contribute to the county’s development.
“The future of our community lies in the hands of our youth,” she said. “Let’s invest in their potential and guide them toward choices that secure their tomorrow.”
As the conversation around betting and financial literacy gains momentum, Ngelechei’s leadership could spark meaningful change in Elgeyo Marakwet and beyond.
Her emphasis on practical, long-term solutions offers a roadmap for young people seeking to break free from the cycle of financial uncertainty.
For those inspired to take action, Ngelechei encouraged reaching out to local agricultural extension officers, cooperatives, or youth empowerment programs to explore investment opportunities.
“Start small, stay consistent, and the results will come,” she concluded, leaving her audience with a message of hope and empowerment.
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