Reasons for Gambling Amongst Men in Matasia Location, Ngong Sub-County Kajiado County, Kenya.

Gambling has become a significant social issue in Kenya, particularly among men in peri-urban areas, driven by economic hardships and the proliferation of digital betting platforms. This study aims to explore the reasons for gambling among men in Matasia Location, Ngong Sub-County, Kajiado County, a semi-arid region with notable socio-economic challenges. A descriptive mixed-methods approach was used, surveying 150 men aged 18-65 identified at gambling hotspots (betting shops, bars, and eateries), with 145 completing questionnaires (96.7% response rate). Data were collected in July 2025 and analysed using SPSS 25 for descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, complemented by thematic analysis of interviews. Key motivations, frequency, types, and spending habits of gambling were assessed to identify driving factors. The primary reason for gambling was the desire for wealth, as participants indicated 48.3% were motivated by this factor, followed by financial pressures, with survey data revealing 25.5% cited this reason. Daily gambling was reported, with individuals reporting 54.5% engaged in it regularly, and 57.2% spent KES 1,000-5,000 monthly. Sports betting and casino games were the most common types, with interviewees noted 58.6% preferred sports betting and 51.7% chose casino games. The Key Informant Interview (Member of County Assembly) for Matasia Location, highlighted idleness and unemployment as key drivers. Economic desperation and digital accessibility fuel gambling in Matasia, and interventions such as vocational training, financial literacy programs, and policy restrictions on online platforms are recommended, aligning with Kenya's National Substance Abuse Prevention Strategy (2021) and Sustainable Development Goal 3.