BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau during the launch.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has partnered with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) to launch a national campaign dubbed “Chukua Control”, aimed at sensitizing Kenyans on the dangers of gambling addiction.
The initiative was unveiled on 16 May 2025 at the Railway Training Institute in Nairobi, and it seeks to promote responsible gambling while discouraging betting-related harm, especially among the youth and vulnerable groups.
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“This initiative is more than just a message it is a national movement to combat unchecked gambling, which can have destructive effects on individuals, families, and societies at large,” said BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau during the launch.
The campaign comes at a time when the government has raised concern over the rising cases of problem gambling, fueled by aggressive marketing and easy access to betting platforms.
In a show of commitment to the social welfare of affected communities, BCLB and AGOK distributed food packages to more than 1,000 families in Nairobi’s South B area during the launch.
“Through our partnership, we are not only raising awareness on responsible gaming but also providing tangible support to communities,” said AGOK Chairman Sasa Krneta.
The “Chukua Control” campaign will roll out in all 47 counties, engaging youth groups, local leaders, faith-based institutions, and health professionals. It also includes the establishment of an eight-hour toll-free call centre at the BCLB offices to offer counseling and referral services to individuals battling gambling addiction.
“We are calling on parents and faith organizations to help us educate mwananchi that gambling is addictive and it is a demerit good,” added Dr. Makau.
The campaign also follows BCLB’s earlier suspension of gambling advertisements on mainstream and social media platforms. The suspension remains in effect until May 29, after which new advertising guidelines are expected to be announced.
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BCLB says this is the first phase of a long-term strategy to instill responsible gambling behavior in the country. Future phases will include awareness drives in schools and tertiary institutions, training workshops for sports bettors, and partnerships with banks to monitor suspicious betting transactions.
AGOK and BCLB say the success of the campaign will be measured through public feedback, behavior change, and community participation in curbing gambling-related harm.
