News

Published on March 24, 2008, 12:00 am

By Ernest Ndunda and Willis Oketch



The Government will establish a task force to regulate and control the Casino business.



Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ms Nancy Kirui, said the gaming industry had grown rapidly and was dynamic.



She spoke when she opened a two-day workshop for Betting Control and Licensing Board in Mombasa.



"Gambling by the underage and the vulnerable should be taken seriously in conjunction with all the stakeholders", said Kirui.



She said the task force would be mandated to review the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act to address changes in the industry and embrace modern regulatory and control methods such as monitoring units.



The team will also train officers to be in step with current operations and be in a position to respond to the changing environment.



The PS said the number and location of gaming operations, the population and income levels and the social and economic impact of gambling are considered before new licenses and permits are issued.



Kirui challenged the Betting Control and Licensing Board to anticipate and address emerging issues such as responsible gaming.



Meanwhile, Moi University has opened a college at Ngomongo Village Theme Park in Mombasa to offer diploma courses in tourism.



The college, also being developed as a research, education, training and community development centre, begins the first semester on May 12.



The Moi University College opened its doors early this year after University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Richard Mibey, approved the establishment of the campus.



Other public universities, which have established their colleges in Mombasa are Nairobi, Kenyatta and Jomo Kenyatta.



Head of Hospitality at the Mombasa Polytechnic University, Mr Kenneth Munene, says tourism courses in the region would help meet high demand for qualified people in the industry.



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