Nairobi, Kenya – July 5, 2025 – As the conversation around ethics and responsibility in Kenya’s gaming industry continues to grow, Bangbet Kenya has positioned itself as a leader in socially conscious operations with the official launch of its new initiative, “Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet.”

The initiative was launched during a community-focused event at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, attended by key stakeholders from healthcare, government regulation, the media, and the general public. In a departure from conventional brand events, the day’s activities were deliberately structured to exclude all forms of betting promotions — a decision praised by regulators as setting a new industry benchmark for ethical corporate engagement.

At the centre of the initiative is the Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, established to support patients in public hospitals who are unable to leave after receiving treatment due to unpaid medical bills. The company committed Ksh 1,000,000 to St. Mary’s Hospital, where patients — including new mothers and accident survivors — often remain detained long after they’ve recovered.

Bangbet CEO David Gichuchi addressed attendees with a clear and compassionate message: “This initiative is about transformation, not transactions. We are not here to promote our business. We are here to affirm that the lives of Kenyans — especially during moments of vulnerability — matter. We believe in using our platform to walk alongside the people.”

The company’s outreach work at St. Mary’s Hospital revealed the urgent need for sustained support in the health sector. During a recent visit, Bangbet staff encountered patients who had been medically cleared for weeks but were still confined due to financial limitations.

Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, welcomed the support, calling it both timely and life-changing. “We are truly overwhelmed by this act of compassion. The Bangbet Hospital Support Fund is not just clearing bills — it is restoring hope, healing families, and giving people a second chance,” she said during the event.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing Kenya’s gaming sector, has increasingly emphasized the need for operators to embrace transparent, purpose-driven CSR. The Board’s Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, was present at the event and commended Bangbet’s approach.

“This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect and encourage from all licensed operators,” Rev. Dr. Makau said. “Bangbet Ltd has shown that business done right is business that uplifts people. They’ve demonstrated that you can contribute meaningfully to society without using CSR as a front for product marketing.”

She further noted the importance of reinforcing industry-wide integrity and trust, especially in a sector that is often under scrutiny. “Let this event set the tone. Let other operators take note — ethical CSR is not a trend. It is a responsibility.”

In addition to the hospital fund, Bangbet also recognized and empowered a select group of individuals known as Friends of Bangbet. These individuals were identified through the company’s community engagements and were gifted practical tools to help improve their livelihoods — such as motorcycles, TVs, and household essentials.

“These are not just gifts — they’re investments in human potential,” said Gichuchi. “We’re proud to celebrate these Kenyans who have shown resilience and strength in the face of hardship. This is our way of giving them a tangible head start.”

The event was structured with integrity at its core — no branded betting activations, no entertainment gimmicks, and no product placements. Instead, it was a space for real stories, real needs, and real responses. The simplicity of the event was in itself a message: corporate responsibility does not need to be flashy; it just needs to be sincere.

The BCLB Chairperson echoed that sentiment, calling for long-term frameworks to ensure CSR is not treated as an afterthought in the gaming sector. “Let this moment mark a renewed commitment to collaboration between the private sector and community institutions,” Rev. Dr. Makau said. “It also proves that CSR can be impactful without being exploitative.”

As Bangbet looks ahead, CEO David Gichuchi reaffirmed that Changing Lives is not a one-time initiative. “This is only the beginning. We are committed to expanding the hospital fund, supporting more communities, and deepening our impact — always within the framework of accountability, ethics, and care.”

By taking a stand for purpose-driven, regulation-compliant impact, Bangbet has demonstrated that even in industries often associated with risk, there is room — and responsibility — for meaningful, ethical change.