Nairobi, Kenya – July 5, 2025 – In an age of corporate competition and relentless advertising, it was an act of quiet humility that made headlines across Kenya. Bangbet Kenya’s Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet initiative launched not with fanfare, but with purpose — rooted in compassion, service, and dignity for the most vulnerable among us.
Held at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, the event marked a rare moment of stillness and reflection in the corporate space. No betting promotion. No product display. No entertainment. Just people coming together to stand in solidarity with those who are often forgotten: patients unable to leave hospital due to unpaid bills, and citizens striving against economic odds to support their families.
At the heart of the initiative is the Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, launched with a Ksh 1,000,000 donation to St. Mary’s Hospital — a faith-based institution known for treating all who walk through its gates, regardless of means.
Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s, described the gesture as one of true healing — not just for the body, but for the soul.
“We are truly overwhelmed by this act of compassion,” she said during the event. “Many of our patients are people of faith, 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.”
In a sector where CSR is often transactional, Bangbet’s approach reflects something deeper — a values-driven philosophy rooted in dignity, empathy, and presence.
David Gichuchi, CEO of Bangbet Kenya, was clear about the company’s motivation. “This is not about marketing. It’s about walking with people. Standing with them in their lowest moments, not just their celebrations,” he said. “We believe our platform must serve a greater purpose — and we choose compassion.”
That spirit of compassion extended to the second component of the event: the recognition of several Friends of Bangbet, ordinary Kenyans selected from previous engagements for their resilience and courage. Each received a household or livelihood-supporting tool — such as a motorcycle or television — offered not as a reward, but as a symbol of belief in their future.
“This is about dignity,” Gichuchi said. “Whether you’re a single mother, a boda boda rider, or a small trader, you deserve to be seen — and supported.”
The initiative’s moral compass was further strengthened by the presence of Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), who used the opportunity to highlight the ethical responsibilities of licensed operators.
“This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect and encourage,” she said. “It also shows that business can be done in a way that upholds compassion, responsibility, and the principles of human dignity.”
Importantly, the entire event complied fully with BCLB standards. There were no gaming promotions, no giveaways, no logos dominating the space — just a carefully curated focus on service.
For the leadership at St. Mary’s Hospital, where faith is at the core of its mission, the partnership felt aligned with the Gospel values they uphold every day.
“We do not just treat illness. We restore dignity,” said one senior nurse quietly after the event. “And when others walk with us in that mission, we see God at work.”
Bangbet has signaled that the Changing Lives initiative will expand to other counties and institutions — always with the same commitment to silent, sincere impact.
“We may be in business, but we are also in service,” Gichuchi concluded. “This is who we want to be — a company that believes in the sacredness of every life, and acts accordingly.”
