Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau has once again brought pride to Kenya through her strong leadership at the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
At the 2025 Gaming Tech Summit, where 22 countries from across Africa participated, BCLB stood out by winning two major awards, Best CSR Initiatives Promoter in Africa and Best CSR Regulator in Africa.
These recognitions are a direct result of Dr. Mwikali’s commitment to transparency, community empowerment, and responsible gaming.
These victories are not just symbolic they represent years of hard work, reform, and consistent efforts to change the image of Kenya’s gambling sector. Under Dr. Mwikali’s leadership, BCLB has gone through serious reforms that many across the continent now look up to. Her efforts have helped restore trust in an industry that was once seen as chaotic and profit-driven at the expense of public interest.
Dr. Mwikali believes that regulation must serve the people. She has pushed BCLB to not only enforce rules but also protect vulnerable groups like minors and problem gamblers. Some of her achievements include introducing Africa’s first nationwide self-exclusion register, which allows individuals to voluntarily bar themselves from betting platforms.
Along with that, BCLB now requires all operators to include deposit limits, time-out features, and provide access to addiction support services.In April 2025, she led the Board in suspending all gambling advertisements for 30 days across TV, radio, social media, and even influencer platforms.
The goal was to stop the idea that gambling is a quick path to wealth, especially for young people. This bold step was widely supported by the public and viewed as a milestone in consumer protection.
Dr. Mwikali has also worked closely with other government agencies such as the Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to ensure that illegal gambling is stopped and taxes are collected fairly. Her efforts helped introduce real-time financial tracking systems for betting companies, closing loopholes that allowed tax evasion and manipulation.
These latest awards are a reflection of how far the Board has come. Through strong Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, BCLB under Dr. Mwikali has supported community projects, education, and local development.
These are the kinds of results that have put Kenya ahead of its peers across Africa in terms of responsible gambling governance.
Dr. Mwikali said it best: “This victory is not just a win for BCLB it’s a win for Kenya and a testament to what purposeful leadership and collective commitment can achieve.” Her work continues to raise Kenya’s profile on the continental stage, proving that when leadership is guided by integrity and vision, the results speak for themselves.
Congratulations to Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, the entire BCLB team, and all stakeholders who continue to shape a better future for Kenya’s gaming industry. Africa is indeed watching and Kenya is leading.
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