GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2101

WHEREAS the Administration’s Transformative Plan for the Nation, espoused as Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), posits a national lottery as part of the institutional framework to mobilise resources to supplement the Government’s efforts towards addressing various social causes and needs; WHEREAS there have been varied attempts to establish this National Lottery, such as the Gaming Bill, 2019, which would have repealed the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap. 131) Laws of Kenya) enacted in 1966; WHEREAS the envisaged repeal of the 1966 law would have heralded a new era in the licensing of public lotteries, betting, and gaming, thereby addressing the contemporary societal challenges arising from the current framework; and WHEREAS the proposed reforms in the governance of betting and gaming are in furtherance of the solemn duty of the State to nurture and protect the wellbeing of all persons by promoting a national culture and psyche of “responsible betting and gaming”: NOW THEREFORE, to harness the collective synergies among the public in being part of the solution through participating in a national lottery whose proceeds will contribute towards good causes and the amelioration of the plight of persons in need, it is notified that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has appointed a Presidential Taskforce on establishment of a National Lottery which shall be structured in two tiers, namely; the Steering Committee and the Technical Committee. (A) STEERING COMMITTEE 1. The Steering Committee shall comprise of the following: Narendra Raval (Dr.) — Chairperson Gideon G. Thuranira — Vice-Chairperson Members: Principal Secretary, National Treasury or his Representative; Principal Secretary, Interior or his representative; Principal Secretary, Social Protection or his representative; Principal Secretary, Culture and Heritage or her representative; Solicitor-General or his representative; Representative of the Council of Governors; Paul Russo; Judith Karigu Kiragu; Anne Wakathiru Njenga; Grace Kamau; Abdillahi K. Mutwafy; and Jackline Chelangat Tonui (B) TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 2. The Technical Committee shall comprise of: Linda Musumba (Dr.) — Chairperson Members: Wanjiku Wakogi; Eric Aligula (Dr.); Collins Kiprono; Peter Mbugi; Fred Mbasi; Geoffrey Malombe; Eric Korir; Wilson Njenga; Catherine Ochanda; and Murimi Murage. Joint Secretaries: Clinton Mwita; and Margaret Githaiga. 3. The Terms of Reference of the Presidential Taskforce shall be— (a) to undertake a comprehensive review of the best practices on the establishment of national lotteries in other jurisdictions; (b) to develop the policy and implementation plan that will guide the establishment and operationalization of the National Lottery in Kenya; (c) to facilitate the necessary consultations with all key stakeholders in the country on the establishment of a National Lottery; (d) to examine the existing administrative, institutional, policy, and legislative structures and systems in the betting and gaming industry; and to recommend comprehensive reforms 3:15 PM THE KENYA GAZETTE 17th February, 2023 680 680 that will support and facilitate a sustainable framework for the implementation and operation of the National Lottery; (e) to develop a prioritized implementation matrix that clearly states the immediate, medium, and long-term sectoral reforms and the attendant budgetary requirements necessary for the efficient operation of the National Lottery; (f) to cause the review and fast-tracking of the draft Gambling Bill with the requisite legislative framework establishing the National Lottery, for further consideration by Cabinet and onward transmittal to Parliament; and (g) to consider, perform, or advise on any other matter or subject ancillary to the above. 4. In the discharge of its functions, the Presidential Taskforce shall have power to— (a) regulate its own procedure; (b) hold meetings, public forms or consultations as it shall deem necessary in such places and at such times as the Taskforce shall consider necessary for the proper discharge of its mandate; (c) review official reports, policy, legislation or any other document related to the Taskforce mandate; (d) co-opt experts, in particular areas of need, as may be necessary for the execution of its mandate; (e) create sub-committees for the efficient and expedited discharge of its mandate; and (f) perform any other function or tasks as the Taskforce may find necessary in order to fully discharge its mandate. 5. The term of the Presidential Taskforce shall be a period of three (3) months with effect from the date hereof, or for such a period as may be specified by notice in the Kenya Gazette. 6. The Secretariat of the Taskforce shall be domiciled at the Office of the President. Dated the 16th February, 2023. FELIX K. KOSKEI, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service.