Kenya’s first female rugby chairperson takes over reins, vows reform
The first female chairperson of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), Harriet Okwach, unveiled her vision for the sport on Wednesday in her first public address since her appointment to the role.
Okwach was appointed in a unanimous board decision following the resignation of Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai on May 30, 2025, and has outlined the creation of a junior league as her immediate task.
She proposed scrapping the country’s long-standing Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) league and replacing it with a dynamic Under-20 league that exclusively involves Kenya Cup clubs.
“This change aligns with our long-term development strategy and reflects global best practices, where age-grade competitions are essential for building strong national teams.
“The Chipu’s (Kenya junior team) recent international performances are a testament to the potential we have in our youth—and we must give them more structured and consistent game time,” Okwach said.
She also addressed the need for constitutional and governance reforms within the organization, following concerns raised by World Rugby about its control and financial structures.
“We are committed to strengthening governance within KRU. An amended constitution is in the works to ensure power is more equitably distributed, particularly through enhanced roles for regional heads.
“This is a move towards transparency, accountability, and decentralization, ensuring that rugby development happens across the country—not just in Nairobi.”
Okwach previously served as the director in charge of marketing and commercials, leading efforts to grow the game’s visibility and attract new partnerships.
