Farida Karoney Appointed Chairperson of National Lottery Board
Former Lands Cabinet Secretary Farida Karoney has officially returned to government as the newly appointed chairperson of the National Lottery Board.
President William Ruto selected her for this role through a Gazette Notice dated August 22, 2024 assigning her a three-year term set to commence on August 23, 2024.
Karoney’s appointment reflects President Ruto’s dedication to putting the National Lottery Act into operation, which was signed into law last December.
The legislation establishes the National Lottery Fund, aimed at collecting and distributing the proceeds generated by the lottery.
According to a statement from State House, “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 will comprise institutional representatives and independent members.
About A National Lottery
A national lottery functions as a game of chance, allowing players to win substantial prizes. It is government-operated or sanctioned, enabling the public to buy tickets for a chance at winning money or other rewards.
The primary aim of a national lottery is to support charitable causes and enhance the quality of life for citizens through designated initiatives.
Revenue for various public programs or projects is generated from ticket sales and taxes on winnings.
Thus, the government or operator is tasked with essential aspects of running a competitive national lottery, including game design, ticket sales, prize allocation, and regulatory oversight, as well as ensuring transparency in how lottery proceeds are used.
Participation is restricted to individuals aged 18 and older, including foreign nationals.
Karoney previously served as a Cabinet Secretary during the administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
About Farida Karoney
Farida Karoney is a distinguished Kenyan leader, having made notable contributions in both the media and government sectors. Born and raised in Kenya, she began her education at Kenyatta University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Education degree in Botany and Zoology from 1989 to 1992. After a brief stint teaching Biology at Khamis High School in Mombasa, she transitioned into journalism in 1994. Farida furthered her education by acquiring a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi in 1996 and later obtaining an MBA in Strategic Management in 2008.
Her media career spans over two decades, during which she held significant roles at major organizations, including the Standard Media Group’s KTN. Rising to the position of Managing Editor, she expertly navigated the politically charged environment of Kenyan media, particularly during the 2007-2008 post-election crisis. In 2014, she became the Chief Operating Officer at Royal Media Services, where her strategic oversight contributed to the dominance of Citizen TV, which commanded a market share of about 22% by 2019.
In 2018, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Farida Karoney as the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, marking a significant transition from media to public office. Despite her lack of prior experience in government, she quickly adapted to the challenges of leading a ministry known for its political complexities and economic issues.
As Cabinet Secretary, Farida spearheaded crucial reforms, particularly the digitization of land records through the National Land Information System (NLIS), commonly referred to as “Ardhisasa.” This initiative was launched to streamline land transactions, allowing users to conduct various procedures online, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing corruption in land dealings. By April 2021, over 11,000 users had registered on the platform, reflecting its early success. Farida Karoney National Lottery
