Dr Jane Mwikali Makau: Age, Education, Career & More

Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau is a respected Kenyan academic and public servant known for her expertise in governance, ethics, and leadership. With a distinguished career that spans academia, policy development, and institutional leadership, Dr. Makau has become a prominent voice in shaping ethical standards and administrative reforms in Kenya.

Whether in the classroom or in national service, she is widely recognized for her intellectual depth, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public accountability. This article explores her background, education, and the key milestones that define her impactful career.

Quick Facts About Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau

• Full Name: Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau
• Date of Birth: October 6, 1977
• Age: 47
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Education: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business and Management from the University of Sunderland, UK; BTEC Higher National Diploma from EDEXCEL, UK; Diploma in Sales Management and Marketing from Graffins College, Nairobi
• Career: Religious leader, entrepreneur, author, government official
• Current Position: Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)
• Notable Achievements: First woman to chair the BCLB since 1966; founder of Eternal Excellencies Women Ministry

Dr Jane Mwikali Makau Biography

Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau is a distinguished Kenyan religious leader, entrepreneur, author, and government official. Dr. Makau is renowned for her contributions to spiritual leadership, women's empowerment, community development, and her extensive experience in business administration and management.

Education

Dr. Makau's educational background is rooted in business and management:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business and Management from the University of Sunderland, UK
• Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Sunderland, UK
• BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business from EDEXCEL, UK
• Diploma in Sales Management and Marketing from Graffins College, Nairobi, Kenya
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) from Tala Girls High School

Government Career

Dr. Makau has held several significant positions in the Kenyan government:

• Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB): Appointed in 2022, she is the first woman to hold this position since the board's inception in 1966. Under her leadership, the BCLB has enhanced measures against illegal gambling, streamlined the licensing process through digitalization, and introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements in licensing. She also initiated the development of the Gaming Management System and contributed to the formulation of the Gambling Control Bill and the Lottery Bill 2023.
• Director at the National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA): From 2018 to 2022, she chaired the Strategy, Technical, and Business Development Committee and was instrumental in developing and launching the NWHSA's Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
• Director at the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD): In this role, she contributed to national policies on population and development.

Religious Leadership & Community Work

An ordained reverend with the Freedom in Jesus Revival and Healing Ministry, Dr. Makau focuses on unifying the Christian community, empowering youth, promoting Christian ethics, and addressing issues affecting peace and development.

She is also the founder and president of the Eternal Excellencies Women Ministry, which has undertaken various community projects, including medical camp drives, drilling boreholes, food drives, and school revitalization efforts.

Recognized Among Africa’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Gaming

In 2024, Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau was honored as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Gaming, Africa by iGaming Afrika in partnership with Women in Gaming, The African Chapter. This prestigious recognition celebrates her impactful contributions to the gaming industry, including her leadership in promoting responsible gambling and advancing regulatory standards across Africa.

A Bold Stand Against Gambling Ads and a Rising Voice in Regulatory Reform

Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau has taken decisive action cracking down on gambling advertisements. As the Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), she recently issued a directive suspending all gambling-related ads for 30 days. This sweeping ban covers TV, radio, newspapers, billboards, social media, SMS, influencer marketing, and even email promotions.

The move comes in response to growing concerns over the rise of gambling addiction—particularly among Kenya’s youth. Dr. Makau cited the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations from the psychological and financial harms linked to unchecked betting culture.

Her decisive leadership has sparked national conversation and drawn praise from both policymakers and mental health advocates. It’s a rare show of regulatory muscle in a sector often criticized for its lack of oversight.

In addition to this, Dr. Makau was recently recognized with the Regulatory Alliance Award 2025 at the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) Summit in Lagos, Nigeria. The award highlights her role in harmonizing gaming regulations across the continent and positioning Kenya as a leader in ethical and transparent governance of the betting industry.

From reform to recognition, Dr. Makau is proving to be a transformative figure in Kenya’s public service—earning both headlines and respect.

Conclusion

Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau stands out as a dynamic and trailblazing leader in Kenya, combining her strong academic background with decades of experience in business, government, and religious service.

As the first female chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board, her influence extends across governance, faith-based initiatives, and community development. Through her unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, women empowerment, and national progress, she continues to inspire many and shape the future of leadership in Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau?

Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau is a Kenyan leader, entrepreneur, author, and the current Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). She is known for her work in regulating Kenya’s gambling industry and promoting responsible gaming.

What is Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau’s educational background?

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Sunderland, UK. She also has a Higher National Diploma in Business and a Diploma in Sales Management and Marketing.

What government positions has Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau held?

Dr. Makau previously served as Director of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) and as a director at the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD). Currently, she chairs the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

Is Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau involved in religious work?

Yes. She is an ordained reverend with the Freedom in Jesus Revival and Healing Ministry and founder of the Eternal Excellencies Women Ministry, which focuses on community development and women’s empowerment.

Has Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau won any awards?

Yes. She received the Regulatory Alliance Award in Leadership in 2025 for her contributions to unifying gaming regulations across Africa.

What initiatives has Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau introduced at BCLB?

As Chairperson, she has implemented measures against illegal gambling, digitalized the licensing process, introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies for licensees, and contributed to the Gambling Control Bill and Lottery Bill 2023.

Has Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau authored any books?

Yes. Some of her books include The Strength of a Woman, The Power of the Blessing, Enforcing God’s Will, Kingdom Excellence, and Kingdom Protocol.

Where can I follow Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau?

You can follow her on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) at @DrMwikali and Instagram at @dr.janemakau.