Act on rising burglary cases targeting esports arcades

In recent months, Kenya has experienced a troubling surge in theft and robberies targeting video gaming arcades.

Despite the alarming increase in incidents, the response from law enforcement authorities has been disappointingly slow, leaving arcade owners and patrons vulnerable to further attacks.

Video gaming arcades, where esports is practised, have long served as social hubs for the youth, providing a space for recreation, competition and community bonding. However, the recent spate of robberies has put the existence of these establishments at risk.

Criminals have been targeting these arcades across various cities in Kenya, brazenly robbing patrons of their valuable equipment.

These incidents have not only resulted in financial losses for arcade owners but have also left customers traumatised and fearful of returning to these spaces.

What is particularly concerning is the apparent lack of proactive response from the police in addressing these crimes. Despite the growing number of reported incidents, law enforcement authorities have been slow in response, leading to frustration among arcade owners and the esports community at large.

Many arcade owners have expressed their frustration with the sluggish response from the police, noting that repeated pleas for increased patrols and security measures have fallen on deaf ears. Without adequate protection and support from law enforcement agencies, arcade owners are left to fend for themselves against the threat of robbery and violence.

The repercussions of these robberies extend beyond the immediate financial losses suffered by arcade owners. The sense of insecurity created by these incidents has had a chilling effect on the esports community, leading to a decline in foot traffic and patronage at the arcades across the country.

In light of these developments, urgent action is needed to address the escalating security concerns facing esports arcades in Kenya.

Law enforcement authorities must prioritise the safety of arcade patrons and take decisive steps to apprehend the perpetrators of these crimes.

Additionally, greater collaboration between arcade owners, community leaders, and the police is essential to develop effective strategies for preventing future incidents and restoring confidence in these important community spaces.

Failure to address these security challenges not only jeopardises the viability of esports arcades as businesses but also undermines the well-being and sense of safety of the esports community.

Immediate action must be taken to confront this growing threat and ensure that esports arcades remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.

Ronny Lusigi is the President of Esports Kenya Federation