Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau has once again placed Kenya in the spotlight, guiding the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to a major continental achievement.
At the 2025 Gaming Tech Summit, BCLB stood out among regulators from 22 African countries and walked away with two top honours: Best CSR Initiatives Promoter in Africa and Best CSR Regulator in Africa.
These awards are not just plaques on a shelf they reflect a growing trust in Kenya’s ability to manage the gaming sector responsibly and ethically, and much of this progress can be traced back to Dr. Mwikali’s steady hand at the helm.
Since taking over as Chairperson of BCLB, Dr. Jane Mwikali has focused on changing the image of the gaming industry in Kenya. Where gambling was once seen largely as a social threat, today, thanks to firm regulation and community-minded policies, the sector is becoming more structured, accountable, and socially responsible.
Her leadership has focused not just on regulation, but on education, prevention, and support for those affected by gambling.
Under her guidance, BCLB introduced a number of reforms that have made a big difference across the country. Licensing rules were tightened, making it harder for exploitative operators to thrive.
Advertising controls were introduced, including restrictions on gambling ads during hours when children are likely to be watching. The Board also launched a self-exclusion digital platform, giving Kenyans the power to block themselves from betting sites if they feel they’re at risk of addiction. These practical steps reflect Dr. Mwikali’s belief that regulation should not only control businesses, but protect people.
She has also overseen the Gambling Recovery and Empowerment Initiative (GREI), which supports individuals recovering from gambling addiction. This program funds rehabilitation centres, runs counselling sessions, and offers financial literacy workshops to help people regain control of their lives.
In schools, BCLB has partnered with the Ministry of Education to introduce a gambling awareness module, reaching millions of students with useful information before they’re exposed to betting.
These achievements have not gone unnoticed. Local health experts and youth organisations have publicly supported the reforms. A recent report showed that cases of gambling-related bankruptcies had dropped by 40% since the reforms began. More gaming companies are now tax compliant, and rogue operators have been removed from the system.
At the Gaming Tech Summit, Dr. Mwikali reminded the continent that success in regulation comes from vision, discipline, and teamwork. “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,” she said.
The awards reflect something deeper than operational success. They show that when leadership is thoughtful and grounded in public interest, real change is possible.
Dr. Jane Mwikali’s story is not just one of personal achievement, but of national impact. And as Africa watches, Kenya is showing the way forward.
