Farida Karoney Appointed to Lead National Lottery Board

Farida Karoney to Head National Lottery Board

Farida Karoney has been selected by President William Ruto to serve as the Chairperson of the National Lottery Board. Her three-year term will begin on August 23, 2024, as confirmed in a Gazette Notice issued on August 22, 2024. This appointment aligns with President Ruto’s broader goal of implementing the National Lottery Act, which was enacted in December 2023.

The National Lottery Act has created the National Lottery Fund, a mechanism designed to collect and distribute revenue generated by the national lottery. The goal is to ensure that lottery proceeds are used for public good across the entire country.

According to a statement from the government, “The National Lottery Board shall facilitate the equitable distribution of resources for good causes to all parts of Kenya, ensuring uniform benefit for all citizens.” The Board itself will consist of representatives from various institutions and independent members, ensuring a broad-based approach to governance.

How a National Lottery Operates?

National lotteries are primarily designed as games of chance, offering participants the opportunity to win monetary or other rewards. They are operated or sanctioned by the government, and proceeds are channeled toward public projects or charitable causes. The funds raised through ticket sales and taxes on winnings are allocated to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for citizens.

A key responsibility of the government or lottery operator is ensuring that the lottery is competitive, transparent, and well-regulated. This includes designing the games, managing ticket sales, determining prizes, and overseeing the fair use of funds. Additionally, participants in the lottery must be 18 years or older, and the lottery is open to foreign nationals.

Farida Karoney’s Career

Farida Karoney is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in both the media and public sectors. Before her current role, she served as the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Her tenure saw her lead significant reforms, including the digitization of land records through the National Land Information System (NLIS), known as “Ardhisasa,” which was a major step toward reducing corruption and streamlining land transactions in Kenya.

Karoney’s earlier career was rooted in journalism, where she held various senior roles, including Managing Editor at KTN and Chief Operating Officer at Royal Media Services. Her leadership during pivotal moments in Kenya’s media landscape, including the 2007-2008 post-election crisis, demonstrated her capacity to navigate complex political environments.