Most sports betting firms are still operating during voting hours despite government's order restricting gambling to allow Kenyans vote.
In a statement on Monday, an order from government's Betting Control and Licensing Board(BCLB) ordered all gaming operations be temporarily halted from Monday midnight (August 8) to Tuesday 5pm (August 9).
However, a spot check by the star shows some firms including Betika, Betsafe, Odibets and Betpawa were still running by the time of going to press.
Only Sportpesa, Kilibet and Betviva have adhered to the official directive.
Besides betting firms, other gaming activities such as Casinos will also remain suspended as the government moves to manage night activities on the elections day.
The move is similar to the closure of bars, nightclubs and restaurant on the night to and day of the polls.
Although, the star's efforts to reach out to the non-adhering firms for a comment to understand why hit a snag.
Consumers of betting services though had different view on the governments directive to temporarily close the the betting firms.
Speaking to one of the bettors, it was noted that most of the betting is done online and therefore no much of elections could be interfered.
“I always bet on my mobile phone which I can do from anywhere so the directive does not really add up,” said Olaisa Mollel, an Umoja resident.
