A university is literally betting on a policy to stop its own community from gambling. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology is crafting a framework to control gambling habits among students and staff. Research found a huge portion of the campus community engaged in betting, with many showing signs of addiction and psychological distress.
Professor Joseph Bosire revealed the initiative, backed by additional funding, aims to create a model policy for other institutions. The study indicated that most gambling students used loan money from HELB, skipping fee payments. Over thirty percent of academic staff also participated, harming their work output.
Proposed measures include using technology like firewalls to block gambling sites on campus networks. The university also plans to collaborate with the HELB board for direct fee deductions to limit cash access. Counseling programs and stronger national gambling laws are part of the broader strategy.
Oluoch Oyucho from the Gambling Regulatory Authority endorsed the research. He disputed media links between suicide and gambling losses without clear proof. The authority expressed willingness to partner with universities to reduce gambling harms across the country.
Professor Joseph Bosire revealed the initiative, backed by additional funding, aims to create a model policy for other institutions. The study indicated that most gambling students used loan money from HELB, skipping fee payments. Over thirty percent of academic staff also participated, harming their work output.
Proposed measures include using technology like firewalls to block gambling sites on campus networks. The university also plans to collaborate with the HELB board for direct fee deductions to limit cash access. Counseling programs and stronger national gambling laws are part of the broader strategy.
Oluoch Oyucho from the Gambling Regulatory Authority endorsed the research. He disputed media links between suicide and gambling losses without clear proof. The authority expressed willingness to partner with universities to reduce gambling harms across the country.
