Kenya Advances Toward Launch of First National Lottery with New Advisory Team

Kenya is progressing steadily toward the launch of its inaugural National Lottery following the announcement of a new advisory consortium appointed to oversee the procurement process.

The National Lottery Board revealed on August 21, 2026, that a consortium led by RSM Eastern Africa, in partnership with Swedish firm QLOT Consulting, will provide expert advisory services. This team brings extensive experience in lottery advisory and procurement on both continental and global stages.

Role of the Advisory Consortium

According to Ashif Kassam, Chairperson of RSM Eastern Africa, the consortium’s mandate is strictly advisory. Their responsibilities include:

• Drafting tender documents
• Designing evaluation criteria
• Conducting due diligence
• Establishing robust governance frameworks
• Facilitating knowledge transfer to build the Board’s internal capacity

Kassam stressed that all final decisions rest with the National Lottery Board, ensuring local ownership and oversight throughout the process.

Ensuring Transparency and Responsible Gaming

National Lottery Board Chairperson Dr. Farida Karoney highlighted that the appointment marks a key milestone in creating a lottery system grounded in trust and aligned with international standards. The lottery’s proceeds will be allocated through clear, equitable criteria supported by independent audits and public reporting, allowing Kenyans to monitor fund usage.

Responsible gaming measures are being integrated from the outset, including age verification, spending limits, self-exclusion options, responsible advertising, and transparent disclosure of odds and prizes.

Next Steps and Recruitment

With the advisory team in place, the Board is preparing to launch a competitive process to select a qualified operator for the National Lottery. Specific timelines and contractual details will be announced in due course.

Separately, the Board has reopened applications for the Chief Executive Officer and Fund Administrator position, seeking candidates capable of providing strategic leadership to support charitable funding and community empowerment through the lottery.