Kenya’s parliament has passed legislation to establish a government-run national lottery which aims to generate funds for healthcare, education and other public priorities, the majority leader’s office said in a brief Wednesday.
The National Lottery Bill will provide the legal framework for the lottery and create a National Lottery Board to oversee operations. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said the lottery’s mission aligns with the administration’s “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” to empower citizens financially.
“The enactment of this Bill will not only afford Kenyans an opportunity to take part in the National Lottery and win prize monies, but will also guarantee a mechanism for the mobilization of resources to support noble causes,” the brief stated.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward causes like “charitable causes; economic empowerment initiatives; sports, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage; signature transformation projects; and emergencies,” according to the brief.
The National Lottery Board will include representatives from various government agencies and civic organizations. According to the brief, “This diversity in representation within the Board ensures inclusivity within the Board.”
The text said the lottery aims to fund needs across Kenya equitably, “so as to ensure uniform benefit to all Kenyans.”
Kenya follows other countries like the United Kingdom and South Africa in creating lottery systems to boost funding for public needs. According to the brief, South Africa’s lottery supports causes including small business grants and art programs.
The lottery bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.
