Film board sets eyes on gambling, says practice will render youths lazy

The Kenya Film Classification Board (Kfcb) chief executive Ezekiel Mutua on Sunday cautioned Kenyans against the gambling craze that has engulfed the country, saying that it could render many youths lazy if not closely monitored.

Speaking during a workshop for music trainers and adjudicators of Kenya National Music Festival at Kisumu’s Tom Mboya Labour College, Mr Mutua said gambling could produce what he called a “bahati nasibu” generation that strongly believes in easy ways of making money.

“The craze of gambling and betting has taken root in this country to build lazy generations that believe you can hit the jackpot and become rich overnight,” said Mr Mutua.

“You as a parent, teacher and a leader in this country should tell your children that there is no quick fix to life. There is no easy way than people working hard and dirtying their hands to make money… it cannot come through betting,” he added.

He also cautioned advertisers to ensure that betting is not exposed to children.

“Don’t advertise betting to our children and ensure the content is rated so as not to mislead them,” he said.

He regretted that commercials carrying contents like condoms and other contraceptives were appearing during prime time.

He also called on teachers to be wary of morning radio shows that air sex talks in the morning.

“Project X started in Australia where kids who felt restricted by their parents called epic parties when the parents were away. The project gained publicity all over through social media. That is why we should protect our children from access to such content,” said Mr Mutua.

He spoke a week after the board announced new regulations aimed at streamlining film and broadcast content distribution, with specific regard to advertising content.

This development was motivated by rising public concerns about violations of the broadcast watershed principles, against the law.