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Nairobi, Kenya – July 7, 2025
As Kenya’s development agenda increasingly leans on devolved governance, private sector-led social interventions are gaining traction. At the recent launch of Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet, held at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, Bangbet Kenya unveiled a corporate social responsibility (CSR) model with potential for nationwide rollout.
The initiative introduced two key programs:
- The Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, starting with a Ksh 1 million donation to St. Mary’s Hospital to help release patients detained over unpaid medical bills.
- The Friends of Bangbet Empowerment Drive, which provided select individuals with economic support items such as motorcycles, televisions, and household appliances.
Bangbet Kenya CEO David Gichuchi said the interventions were designed for national relevance.
“This is not a one-city effort. It’s a vision for equitable impact,” he said. “We’re walking with Kenyans — from Isiolo to Kisii, from Mombasa to Turkana. Every region has stories of need and stories of resilience. We want to be present for both.”
The CSR approach is structured, adaptable, and non-promotional — designed to work in partnership with county governments, health institutions, and grassroots organizations.
“Bangbet has started in Nairobi, but this approach is scalable — especially if the same level of discipline and integrity is maintained,” noted a representative from a national health NGO.
Healthcare leaders echoed this sentiment.
Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, said the fund would ease pressure on faith-based hospitals that often hold patients due to non-payment.
“This model could offer tremendous support in regions where access to NHIF or insurance is limited.”
Regulators have also taken note.
Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), praised the initiative for adhering to ethical CSR standards.
“This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect and encourage from all licensed operators.”
Notably, the launch event was free of any betting-related advertising or promotions — a move that drew praise from both regulators and community observers.
The individuals supported through the empowerment drive were selected based on prior community engagement, with Bangbet stating that their stories reflect the resilience of everyday Kenyans.
“They are farmers, riders, mothers, hustlers — all trying to move forward,” said Gichuchi. “We’re not just giving items — we’re giving them the tools to take their next step.”
Looking ahead, Bangbet plans to expand the hospital fund to at least two more counties by the end of 2025 and is exploring partnerships with local youth groups, civil society networks, and health institutions.
“Devolution allows us to localize our impact,” Gichuchi added. “That’s why we’re taking a region-by-region approach. We want to listen first — then act.”
If sustained, Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet could set a benchmark for ethical, non-promotional CSR in Kenya — one that meaningfully touches lives across all 47 counties.
