Dr. Jane Mwikali, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), has marked a significant milestone after the president signed the Gambling Control Bill 2025 into law.
This achievement comes after months of effort to reform Kenya’s betting sector, which has faced growing concerns over its impact on society, especially among young people.
The signing ceremony was held at State House in the presence of the president, deputy president, speaker of the National Assembly, members of parliament, and senior government officials.
Dr. Mwikali, the first woman to chair the BCLB since it was established in 1966, has been recognised for her persistence in pushing for this legislation despite criticism and doubts when she took office.
She faced questions, particularly from religious circles, on how a woman of faith could lead a sector linked to gambling.
To her, the role was about bringing reforms and ensuring the industry operates within strict, responsible regulations.
During the occasion, Dr. Mwikali delivered an emotional speech, saying, “Grateful for grace, humbled by history. Today, I pause to give glory to God for this remarkable milestone. When I accepted the appointment to serve as the Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board, in the Executive Office of the President, I knew it wouldn’t be easy.
The criticism came especially from religious circles. Many asked, ‘How can a woman of God lead the gambling sector?’ But I didn’t cower. I understood the assignment. Light is most needed in darkness. We are the light of the world a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. I now stand as the first woman Chairperson since 1966 to successfully midwife the change of legislation, culminating in the assent of the Gambling Control Bill 2025, at State House.
The Bill was assented to by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, in the presence of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament, and other senior Government officials. This is legacy. This is stewardship. This is obedience to purpose. Gambling has taken a worrying trend especially among our young people and poses a serious threat to our social fabric. That’s why we have adopted a comprehensive, reformative approach that balances economic interest with social responsibility. The new law is not just about regulation it is about redemption. It is about protecting the vulnerable while enforcing accountability and structure in the industry. To God be all the glory.”
The president, while assenting to the Bill, also addressed the matter, stating, “Gambling has taken a worrying trend, especially among our young people, posing a serious threat to our social fabric.
To ensure that it does not become a menace to the society, we have taken a comprehensive approach that strikes a balance between the cost and benefits of gambling.”
With the new law now in place, the BCLB is expected to enforce tighter regulations on the betting industry, protect vulnerable groups, and promote responsible betting practices.
For Dr. Mwikali, this is both a personal and professional accomplishment that reflects her commitment to leadership anchored on integrity, purpose, and public interest.
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