Bangbet Kenya Launches “Changing Lives” Initiative to Uplift Communities and Ease Healthcare Burdens
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Nairobi, Kenya – In a powerful show of purpose beyond profit, Bangbet Kenya officially launched its flagship corporate social responsibility program, “Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet,” during a heartfelt ceremony at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
The event brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders — from regulatory leaders and healthcare professionals to media, community champions, and everyday Kenyans whose stories have inspired this initiative. At the centre of it all was a clear message: corporate responsibility must be lived, not just written.
Bangbet Kenya CEO David Gichuchi, speaking during the event, emphasized that this new initiative is about showing up for Kenyans during their most vulnerable moments and building partnerships that restore dignity and spark opportunity. “This initiative is about transformation, not transactions,” he said. “It’s about showing up for people — not when they’re winning, but when they’re struggling. Whether it’s a new mother stuck in a hospital bed because of an unpaid bill or a boda boda rider trying to make ends meet — we want to be part of their journey forward.”
One of the main highlights of the day was the official unveiling of the Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, a long-term commitment to help vulnerable patients detained in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills. Priority will be given to new mothers and road accident victims — individuals who have already endured pain and trauma, only to find themselves unable to return home.
“This fund is not a one-off act of charity,” Gichuchi added. “We’ve walked the wards. We’ve looked into the eyes of patients and families who have lost all hope. That’s when we realized that we have a responsibility to be there — to act, and to keep acting.”
St. Mary’s Hospital, one of the first partners in this initiative, received an initial contribution of Ksh 1,000,000 from Bangbet. The facility has for years served low-income families, many of whom struggle to clear their medical bills despite receiving high-quality care. The donation will go a long way in helping patients regain their freedom and dignity.
Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Bangbet for what she described as “a life-giving intervention.” She said, “We are truly overwhelmed by this act of compassion. Many of our patients are hardworking Kenyans who simply need a little help to get back on their feet. The Bangbet Hospital Support Fund is not just clearing bills — it is restoring hope, healing families, and giving people a second chance.”
The launch also celebrated the resilience and determination of a select group of individuals referred to as Friends of Bangbet. These were ordinary Kenyans identified through Bangbet’s community interactions — single mothers, boda boda riders, informal workers — all chosen for their grit and hope despite difficult circumstances. Each was gifted empowerment tools such as motorcycles, TVs, and household appliances designed to support income generation and ease everyday burdens.
“These are not just gifts — they’re tools for change,” Gichuchi said. “Each person we’re supporting today has a powerful story. They’ve shown resilience in the face of hardship. We’re not giving them handouts; we’re investing in their potential.”
The ceremony was also attended by Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), who praised Bangbet’s proactive approach to meaningful CSR. She emphasized that licensed operators in the gaming sector must embrace the duty of care that comes with their influence and revenue. “This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect from all licensed operators — giving back to the community, uplifting the vulnerable, and strengthening the social fabric of our nation,” she said.
Rev. Dr. Makau also highlighted the importance of collaboration between private sector players and social institutions like hospitals. “Let this moment mark a renewed commitment to partnership between business and community. Let it also serve as an example for others in the gaming industry and beyond — that business done right is business that uplifts people,” she said.
Importantly, the launch event was fully aligned with BCLB regulatory standards and did not include any form of betting promotion. It was a purely social-impact focused gathering — sending a strong message that CSR should be intentional and grounded in real issues facing ordinary citizens.
In closing his remarks, David Gichuchi reaffirmed Bangbet’s long-term commitment to supporting Kenyan communities. “We believe in going beyond business. We believe in building people. In standing with communities. And in creating impact that lasts long after the applause has faded.”
As Kenya continues to grapple with mounting social and economic challenges, Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet is a timely reminder that even within the private sector, there lies enormous potential to do good. It is not about grand gestures, but about consistent, intentional action — about being present, listening, and acting with humanity.
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