New KRU Boss Harriet Okach Vows Refreshing Leadership To Bring Back Kenya’s Rugby Glory

Historic appointment sees first female chairperson take charge amid administrative turmoil

By Sports Correspondent

Kenya Rugby Union has entered a new era with the historic appointment of Harriet Achieng Okach as its first female chairperson, replacing Alexander “Sasha” Mutai who resigned amid administrative chaos and looming no-confidence motions.

The appointment on June 5, 2025, marks a watershed moment for Kenyan rugby, with Okach inheriting a union plagued by internal wrangles, court cases, and governance issues that have overshadowed the sport’s development.

At over 40 and a mother, Okach brings a unique perspective to what has traditionally been viewed as a “gentleman’s game.”

Her path to rugby’s top job is unconventional – she has never played the sport professionally, yet her leadership credentials and business acumen earned her the board’s confidence.

“People think that, as I am a woman, I am not supposed to be at the helm, but people will be surprised by what I can achieve,” Okach said confidently in a recent media interview.

“I have built individual relations with everyone on the board, KRU secretariat and the clubs, which is what made it easier for my appointment.”

Okach’s leadership journey began in the rough-and-tumble world of Kenyan politics, where she served as finance and campaign manager for former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in 2013.

Fresh from the United Kingdom with a degree in international relations and mental health from Oxford Brookes University, she admits to being a “softie” when she first entered local politics.

“It was baptism by fire, but I managed to swim from the deep end,” she reflected.

“Politics taught me to be impartial and a good listener so that you are able to make wise decisions. That has helped me in rugby, especially in the board games, where there were so many accusations flying around.”

Her rugby journey began through the late Fidel Odinga, former Kisumu Rugby Club chairman, who introduced her to the sport in 2013.

She served as treasurer at Kisumu RFC before joining the KRU board in March 2023, where she received the highest number of votes (22) among elected directors.

Taking over during turbulent times, Okach has identified unity as her primary mission.

The KRU board has been fractured by allegations of corruption, certificate forgeries, and conflicts of interest, with multiple court cases pending investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

“I believe fellow board members saw that it would be much easier for me to unite the board,” she explained. “I can crack jokes, but be serious when it comes to delivery. I focus on doing what is right and what I believe in.”

Her immediate priorities include:

• Constitutional Reform: Adopting the new KRU constitution completed in November 2024, which redistributes power from the board to affiliate clubs
• Sponsor Restoration: Building on her success as commercial director in bringing back key sponsors including SportPesa, Tusker, Kenya Airways, Crown Paints, and Safaricom M-Pesa
• Media Coverage: Securing live mainstream media coverage for all leagues and national teams
• Player Development: Ensuring Kenyan players reach the global stage permanently

Restoring rugby’s lost glory

Okach’s long-term vision centers on returning Kenyan rugby to its former heights. She emphasizes that power should rest with affiliate clubs rather than the board, reflecting a more democratic approach to governance.

“My long-term plan is to give rugby its lost glory. Power should be with the affiliates, not the board,” she stated. “We need more sponsors in all our leagues and national teams. I want the main product that we have, the players, to get what they deserve: the global stage, permanently.”

Her commercial background has already proven valuable.

As commercial director, she helped restore confidence among sponsors who had previously withdrawn support, demonstrating her ability to rebuild damaged relationships.

The new chairperson faces significant challenges beyond internal politics.

Kenyan rugby has struggled with inconsistent performances, inadequate funding, and limited exposure compared to regional rivals.

The ongoing investigations into past governance issues also threaten to overshadow her reform agenda.

However, Okach appears undaunted by the criticism and commentary surrounding her appointment.

“Coming from public relations, no news is bad news, especially when you are at the helm,” she noted. “I have received ‘all the greetings’ from social media with humility and gratitude.”

What sets Okach apart is her acknowledgment of her limitations while leveraging her strengths.

“I won’t lie to anyone that I am technical. Everybody has their own strength, but when we work in unity, we shall achieve a lot,” she admitted.

This honest self-assessment, combined with her proven ability to unite diverse stakeholders, could be exactly what Kenyan rugby needs.

Her experience working with former Governor Kidero taught her to navigate complex political environments while maintaining focus on delivery.

As Okach settles into her new role, the rugby community watches with cautious optimism.

Her appointment represents more than just a gender milestone – it signals a potential shift toward more inclusive, accountable governance in Kenyan sports.

“We must be respectful and do what is right,” she emphasized. “If we truly love the game, let us silence the noise.”

The success of her chairmanship will ultimately be measured not by breaking gender barriers, but by her ability to deliver on promises of unity, transparency, and results.

With investigations ongoing and structural reforms needed, Okach’s leadership will be tested from day one.

For now, Kenyan rugby has a new voice at the helm – one that promises fresh perspectives, renewed focus on stakeholder engagement, and an unwavering commitment to restoring the sport’s glory days.

The rugby community awaits to see if this historic appointment will indeed mark the beginning of a new chapter for Kenyan rugby.