Kenya is taking a meaningful step to establish its first National Lottery, with RSM Eastern Africa appointed to lead the consortium advising on the operator procurement.

Alongside QLOT Consulting, which brings specialist expertise from Sweden’s lottery sector, RSM will support Kenya’s National Lottery Board with transaction structuring, financial and commercial analysis, and arrangements for the future operator.  

Ashif Kassam, Executive Chairman of RSM Eastern Africa, explains what the appointment involves, why the early stages of a major transaction matter, and what lessons can be applied more widely across the public sector.  

What role will RSM play as transaction advisor to Kenya’s National Lottery Board?  

“Our role at RSM is to give Kenya’s National Lottery Board the analysis, options, and specialist advice needed to select and onboard its national lottery operator. Led by me as the Engagement Lead, our experts will inform the operating model and commercial structure, support procurement and evaluation, and contribute to the contractual framework.  

“The Board retains decision-making responsibility, while we help create a robust, transparent process and ensure that the Board builds the skills and knowledge it needs to manage the lottery effectively.”  

Why is getting the structure right at the outset so important for an initiative like Kenya’s National Lottery?  

“Getting the structure right early creates a strong foundation for everything that follows. It’s critical to define how the lottery will operate, as well as the responsibilities of the Board and the future operator.

“Those choices then shape the procurement itself, including what bidders are asked to deliver, how proposals are compared, and what commitments are built into the eventual agreement. A clear, well-considered structure supports fair and consistent evaluation while reducing uncertainty later in the process.  

“The structure matters beyond procurement too. It sets the basis for how performance will be monitored and how the public interest will be protected throughout the arrangement.”  

What helps create the conditions for a credible and competitive procurement process?

“Good preparation before the opportunity goes to market is essential. The Board needs a clear view of what it wants the lottery to achieve, a realistic understanding of the market, and procurement documents that give bidders enough information to respond properly.  

“Strong groundwork also helps to test assumptions early and design an evaluation process that is proportionate to the scale of the opportunity. It makes the process more competitive and gives both the Board and bidders greater confidence in the outcome.”  

What lessons from other national lotteries can be useful as Kenya develops its own approach?  

“The experience of other countries can help identify models that have worked well. Sweden, for example, shows how a national lottery operates within a well-regulated market with strong expectations around consumer protection and public accountability.  

“That experience can help inform the Board’s choices, but its approach still needs to reflect the local regulatory environment and the ambition to generate funding for Kenya’s social causes, sports industry, and wider national development.  

“Kenya has a highly digital market and a new regulatory framework under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. Considering this, the National Lottery will need to be designed for the way people access services today, while meeting clear expectations around oversight and public accountability.”  

How can organisations build the internal capability needed to manage partnerships and oversee performance over the longer term?  

“Managing long-term performance starts with knowledge transfer. We intend to involve internal teams throughout the process, enabling them to understand the reasoning behind key decisions and build confidence in the tools and processes being used.  

“Additionally, training, shared working sessions, and clear documentation can help an organisation retain the skills and information it needs to manage the ongoing partnership and respond effectively as circumstances change.”  

What do you hope this project will contribute to Kenya over the long term?  

“I hope it can create a sustainable source of funding for areas that make a difference to people’s lives, from education and emergency response to sports, art, and national heritage.  

“For me, the long-term value is not only in establishing the lottery itself, but in helping create a well-governed platform that earns public confidence and contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s social and economic priorities over time.”  

RSM Eastern Africa advises public- and private-sector organisations on commercial and financial structuring, procurement and quality assurance, and project governance. See our transaction services.