KENYA– Kenya is moving closer to launching its first national lottery, with plans to invite international bids for an operator before the end of 2026 and commence operations by the end of 2027.
National Lottery Board Chair Dr. Farida Karoney disclosed that the country is seeking leading global lottery operators to participate in the bidding process for the ambitious initiative.
According to Karoney, the proposed national lottery will combine both physical and digital gaming channels, allowing players to participate through traditional ticket sales and online platforms. The proceeds generated from the lottery are expected to support national development projects and social-impact programmes.
“We want to attract the best players in the lottery space globally,” Karoney stated, emphasizing the board’s commitment to leveraging international expertise while designing a lottery model tailored to Kenya’s needs.
The National Lottery Board appointed a transaction advisory consortium comprising RSM Eastern Africa and QLOT Consulting of Sweden to assist in preparing tender documents and procurement frameworks. The advisors are currently supporting the board in laying the groundwork for the operator selection process.
Karoney revealed that once the international tender is issued and an operator selected through Kenya’s procurement procedures, the successful bidder will be required to establish a local presence, deploy the necessary technology infrastructure, and recruit staff before ticket sales can commence.
While a specific launch date has not yet been announced, the board expects these preparatory activities to culminate in a fully operational national lottery by the end of 2027.
Karoney urged prospective players to view the lottery as a form of entertainment rather than a financial strategy, cautioning against using money designated for school fees, savings, or investments to purchase lottery tickets.
With regulatory structures taking shape and preparations advancing, Kenya’s national lottery project is set to become one of the country’s most significant gaming-sector developments over the next two years.
