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{
    "id": 921567,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/921567/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 23,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Malalah",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13195,
        "legal_name": "Cleophas Wakhungu Malalah",
        "slug": "cleophas-wakhungu-malalah-2"
    },
    "content": "to succeed. A blanket condemnation and blacklisting of these betting companies will deal a big blow to the progress being made in the sports sector. We must agree that there are many sportsmen and women who are benefitting from the support of the gaming industry. There are teams such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks and others whose skills have developed and improved courtesy of some good betting companies. The vexing question therefore remains; what mechanisms have been put in place by the Government to ensure there is continuity of sports nurturing and development after the shutdown of these betting Companies? Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a team like Kariobangi Sharks is now undoubtedly a national treasure, evoking nationwide pride and mapping Kenya globally! The very first Kenyan team to beat a top English Premier League team! We have the gaming industry to thank for this. One is left to wonder what will happen to the thousands of sportsmen and women who were benefiting from sponsorship and support from these blacklisted legal gaming companies? Does this mean a drastic end to their careers? How about their dependents? We must therefore decide as a nation, whether we want to nurture a culture of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in development or whether we want to scare future investment from private firms. If we need to spur development, we must be genuine and remove trade barriers from investors and regulate the gaming industry in so far as payment of taxes is concerned and observance of the rule of law. The Government should not contradict itself and go against its own confines of the law. It is evident that some of these gaming companies have sought recourse through the courts of law and acquired injunctions as part of the required legal procedure. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a breach of law from the arms of Government who have gone ahead and interfered with the business operations of these companies. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in a nutshell, Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law. Actions by individuals, institutions and the Government must conform to set rules and be adjudicated by law. To this end, the Government must be reminded that there exists law abiding betting firms that contribute significantly to both social and economic growth of our nation. This, they do by way of paying taxes as well as sports development and social investment. It is not prudent or just to penalise the formal, legal industry on the pretext of reining in errant firms. If this trend is tolerated and nurtured, a dangerous precedent will be set that will grow into lawlessness. Mr. Speaker, in cases of negative socio-economic problems related to the business of gaming, prompt measures must be put in place to safeguard the interest of the country and its citizenry. The gains we have made as a nation in matters sports development should not be thrown away on the pedestal of autocratic decisions. Harassment of players in the gaming industry and legitimate businesses will only work to discourage business interests from potential investors – locally and internationally. This will be at the detriment of our economy."
}