Betting Control and Licensing Board chairperson Jane Mwikali has expressed gratitude after President William Ruto signed the Gambling Control Bill 2025 into law.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at State House, Mwikali described the moment as a “remarkable milestone” in her public service journey and noted that the task had not been easy.
“When I accepted the appointment to serve as the Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board in the Executive Office of the President, I knew it would not be easy,” she said. “The criticism came especially from religious circles. Many asked, ‘How can a woman of God lead the gambling sector?’ But I did not cower. I understood the assignment.”
She recalled how she drew strength from her faith and said light is most needed in darkness. “We are the light of the world and a city set on a hill cannot be hidden,” she said.
William Ruto and Moses Wetang’ua during the signing of a betting bill. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
Mwikali is the first woman to lead the board since its inception in 1966 and to see through a change in legislation regulating the gambling sector. The bill, which replaces older laws, introduces tighter controls, stronger enforcement and a focus on protecting vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
She said the reforms were necessary because gambling had taken a “worrying trend, especially among our young people and poses a serious threat to our social fabric.”
According to Mwikali, the new law is “not just about regulation, it is about redemption” and aims to strike a balance between economic interests and social responsibility. She said it was also about “protecting the vulnerable while enforcing accountability and structure in the industry.”
President William Ruto signing the latest Betting bill. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
The signing at State House was attended by the President, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Members of Parliament and senior government officials.
Mwikali called the occasion “legacy, stewardship, obedience to purpose” and credited God for guiding the process. “To God be all the glory,” she said.
The Gambling Control Bill 2025 is expected to come into force in stages, with the Betting Control and Licensing Board overseeing its implementation alongside other government agencies.
