Lagos, Nigeria – In a remarkable achievement for Kenya and the African gaming industry, Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), has been awarded the prestigious Regulatory Alliance Award 2025 at the AGE Lagos Summit. This event, one of the continent’s most prominent gatherings of gaming industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders, serves as a platform for highlighting excellence in regulation, compliance, and industry collaboration.
The Regulatory Alliance Award acknowledges the BCLB’s outstanding work in fostering regulatory cooperation and harmonizing gaming standards across Africa. Under the leadership of Dr. Makau, the BCLB has worked tirelessly to set new benchmarks for responsible gaming, ensuring the integrity and compliance of the sector.
Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, widely regarded as a trailblazer in the regulatory sphere, has not only placed Kenya at the forefront of gaming regulation in Africa but has also strengthened the continent’s position on the global stage. Her visionary leadership has driven BCLB’s agenda forward, ensuring that gaming practices in Kenya adhere to the highest international standards. This has enabled Kenya to emerge as a model for other African nations seeking to refine their own regulatory frameworks.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Makau emphasized the need for collaboration across borders, stating, “This award is not just for the BCLB, but for all African regulators committed to building a responsible, transparent, and unified gaming industry. We must continue working together to ensure that the gaming industry thrives in a way that promotes fairness, protects vulnerable players, and upholds the rule of law.”
The BCLB’s role in spearheading responsible gaming regulations in Kenya has garnered international attention, with stakeholders from across Africa looking to Kenya as an example of regulatory excellence. Dr. Makau’s leadership has also been instrumental in advancing discussions on the future of gaming in Africa, particularly as it relates to technological advancements, digital gaming, and the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks.
The award also recognizes the efforts of the broader BCLB team, which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a fair and well-regulated gaming environment in Kenya. This dedication has contributed to the growth of the sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers.
Among those celebrating this achievement is Bangbet Ltd, a leading gaming operator in Kenya, which extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Makau and the BCLB. In a public statement, Bangbet Ltd lauded the Chairperson’s leadership and the BCLB’s unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence. “Dr. Makau has positioned Kenya as a leader in responsible gaming, and this award is a testament to her vision and hard work. We are proud to operate in a country where the gaming industry is held to such high standards,” the company said.
This honor not only reflects the BCLB’s success but also the commitment of the Executive Office of the President of Kenya, which has been instrumental in supporting the regulatory body’s mission to ensure a well-regulated, transparent, and thriving gaming industry. The government’s backing has allowed the BCLB to introduce cutting-edge measures to curb illegal gambling, promote responsible gaming, and foster collaboration with other regulatory agencies in Africa.
As Kenya continues to grow as a hub for responsible gaming, the BCLB’s leadership under Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau will remain critical in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This prestigious award is a reminder of the vital role that regulators play in shaping the future of the gaming industry—not only in Kenya but across the continent.
Congratulations to Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau and the entire BCLB team on this well-deserved honor!
