In a historic transfer, Harriet Okach has been unanimously appointed as the brand new chairperson of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), turning into the primary girl to carry the place within the group’s 55-year historical past.

Okach’s appointment follows the resignation of former chairman Alexander “Sasha” Mutai on Could 30, 2025. The KRU Board convened on June 5 and chosen Okach to serve the rest of the present time period.

Previous to her new function, Okach served because the Director of Advertising and marketing and Business Affairs for the KRU, the place she performed a pivotal function in enhancing the game’s visibility and securing strategic partnerships. Her tenure on the KRU Board started in 2023, throughout which she obtained the very best variety of votes on the Annual Normal Assembly.

Okach’s expertise extends past rugby administration. Harriet Okach beforehand held the place of honorary treasurer at Kisumu RFC and is a seasoned entrepreneur and communications strategist with over 15 years of expertise in each the private and non-private sectors.

Internationally, Okach represents Kenya in World Rugby’s “Affect Past 2025” legacy initiative, which goals to leverage rugby for constructive social change. She leads the “Unstoppable Rugby for Change” program, specializing in combating gender-based violence and selling girl-child schooling by means of rugby.

Expressing her gratitude, Okach acknowledged, “I’m humbled to be entrusted with this place. Thanks to the associates, KRU Board, and stakeholders to your assist. To our secretariat and the enjoying element, thanks for specializing in conserving the sport going regardless of all of the turmoil. To our followers and all stakeholders, sports activities unites, so please let’s all come collectively in rising this recreation that all of us love. Asante sana.”

Okach assumes management at a vital time for Kenyan rugby, with the nationwide males’s crew, the Kenya Simbas, making ready for the Rugby Africa Cup, and the ladies’s crew, the Kenya Lionesses, gearing up for the 2025 Rugby Africa Girls’s Cup in Madagascar.

Her appointment is seen as a big step in the direction of selling gender equality in sports activities management and is anticipated to convey renewed focus and strategic route to the event of rugby in Kenya.