Identification of and intervention in gambling effects among vulnerable groups in public universities in Kenya

Gambling exists in various forms among staff and students in Kenyan public universities. This has adverse effects among vulnerable groups, including Persons with Disabilities, low-cadre employees and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Despite being discouraged due to its perceived harmful effects, gambling continues to thrive among the vulnerable groups. It is a source of income, recreation, speculative competition and relief of anxiety and despair. Consequently, it becomes addictive, creating harmful psycho-social effects with negative impacts on productivity.

This study, therefore, seeks to identify the magnitude of gambling effects among the vulnerable groups at JOOUST and devise strategies for intervention.

Project lead:

  • Gregory Jumah Nyongesa
    Project Lead and Lecturer in the Department of Special Needs Education and Early Childhood Development at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Kenya.

Project updates

Recently, the research team, led by Gregory Jumah, carried out an inception workshop for the project.

This study will unearth and demonstrate the gravity of gambling harms. It will lead to establishing a counselling session for students, staff and parents or guardians who have been impacted by gambling harms. And it will curb the harmful effects of gambling through questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews.

inception workshop with the project team group photo of the project team in front of a building
Pictures of the research team and the inception workshop that took place.