With Kenya’s development agenda increasingly shaped by devolved governance, public-private partnerships at the county level are becoming more critical than ever.
At the recent launch of Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet, the spotlight fell not just on individual interventions, but on how such initiatives can be scaled to serve communities in counties beyond Nairobi.
Unveiled at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, the initiative signals Bangbet Kenya’s commitment to long-term, distributed impact — one that supports healthcare access, economic resilience, and local empowerment through structured, non-promotional corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The company introduced two interventions during the launch:
The Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, which aims to help release patients detained in hospitals due to unpaid bills, starting with a Ksh 1,000,000 contribution to St. Mary’s Hospital.
The Friends of Bangbet Empowerment Drive, where selected individuals received tools such as motorcycles, TVs, and household appliances to ease financial and domestic pressure.
Bangbet Kenya CEO David Gichuchi noted that these interventions were designed not just for Nairobi but 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. And we want to be present for both.”
The program’s design allows for adaptation by region. For example, in pastoral counties where access to referral hospitals remains limited, the fund could focus on mission-based facilities. In coastal counties with high youth unemployment, the empowerment model could be tailored toward tools that support digital or transport-based jobs.
This flexibility was noted by attendees from multiple sectors, who described the initiative as a blueprint for how private sector CSR can work hand-in-hand with county governments and local institutions.
“Bangbet has started in Nairobi, but this approach is scalable — especially if the same level of discipline and integrity is maintained,” said one representative from a national health NGO who attended the event.
Healthcare leaders, too, underscored the program’s relevance in underserved counties. Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, emphasized that the funding would relieve pressure on her institution — and could have similar impact elsewhere. “Many of our public and faith-based hospitals across Kenya are holding patients who cannot pay. This model could offer tremendous support in regions where access to NHIF or insurance is limited.”
In a regulatory landscape that increasingly favors ethical, non-promotional CSR, the initiative was applauded by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) for maintaining strict compliance and social value.
Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the BCLB, emphasized this point in her speech. “This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect and encourage from all licensed operators. Let it serve as a framework not just in Nairobi, but across our 47 counties.”
Crucially, the launch event was free of any betting marketing, advertising, or sales activities. The focus remained on social support — a decision praised by stakeholders and community observers alike.
For the empowerment segment, Friends of Bangbet were chosen from diverse backgrounds through earlier community engagements. Their stories — though not broadcast at the event — were said to reflect the grit and struggle found in towns and villages throughout the country.
“These are people who represent the resilience of Kenya. They are farmers, riders, mothers, hustlers — all trying to move forward. We’re not just giving items — we’re giving them the tools to take their next step,” said Gichuchi.
Bangbet has committed to exploring additional partnerships in counties through local health facilities, youth groups, and civil society networks. Discussions are already underway to expand the hospital fund to at least two more counties before the end of the year.
“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 scaled with the same level of structure and sincerity, Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet could become one of the most meaningful, non-promotional private-sector CSR programs to reach communities across Kenya’s 47 counties.
