AN INVESTIGATION OF AWARENESS OF GAMBLING CONSEQUENCES AMONG STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness of gambling consequences among university students in

Kericho County, Kenya. It aims to determine the level of awareness, identify hindrances to

understanding these consequences, and explore effective methods for creating awareness. The

findings will inform educational interventions to promote responsible gambling practices within

the academic community. 7 Students presenting with gambling problems and 3 university

counsellors were recruited using snowballing and census methods respectively. Semi structured

interviews were used to gather data and thematic analysis approach used in analysis. Three themes

were gleaned from the data. It was observed that the level of awareness of gambling consequences

among students in universities is relatively low. Counselling services offered in universities create

general awareness of consequences of behavioural disorders such as gambling but fails to point

out the nitty-gritties of negative gambling consequences. Hindrances to awareness of gambling

consequences include influences from social media and students’ environment. More gambling

management programmes including peer counselling, sensitization talks and life skills training are

required. This article offers insights into an understanding of the role of awareness of gambling

consequences in management of gambling among students in universities. Understanding the role

of awareness of gambling consequences can assist counsellors in coming up with effective and

student-centred counselling services. The findings of the study will help universities to reevaluate

the focus of their gambling approaches to emphasize on the harmful consequences of gambling.

The study encourages open conversations around gambling through peer counselling and support

groups as a way of creating awareness of gambling consequences. The findings also add to the

existing knowledge on the importance of diversifying gambling approaches to include life skills

training, entrepreneurship programmes and a stricter monitoring of students’ participation in

awareness programmes.