NAIROBI, Kenya— Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has just shattered a long-standing glass ceiling. Harriet Okach has been appointed as the federation’s new Chairperson, marking a historic first in the union’s history. Her appointment, announced Thursday, comes hot on the heels of former chair Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai’s resignation.
For the first time ever, a woman will take the helm of Kenyan rugby’s top governing body. And if her first speech is anything to go by, she’s ready to unite a fractured sport and guide it forward with resolve and inclusivity.
“I’m humbled to be entrusted with this position,” Okach said in her debut address. “To our secretariat and the playing component, thank you for keeping the game alive through all the turmoil. To our fans and stakeholders—sports unite us. Let’s come together and grow this game we all love. Asante sana.”
Okach’s rise is no fluke. Prior to this appointment, she served on the KRU board overseeing Marketing and Commercial strategy, where she was known for pushing innovative sponsorship engagements.
Before joining the national scene, she was the treasurer at Kisumu RFC, one of Kenya’s most established rugby clubs.
Her predecessor, Sasha Mutai, stepped down last week during a stormy special general meeting (SGM) at the RFUEA Grounds. The SGM, marred by high tension and political wrangling, was convened in anticipation of a vote of no confidence brought forward by disgruntled member clubs.
Okach now steps into the spotlight to serve the remainder of Mutai’s term—no small task considering the turbulence surrounding the union’s leadership in recent months. Still, many view her appointment as a promising shift toward transparency, unity, and better governance.
She inherits a sport with passionate fans, powerful legacy clubs, and a national team eager to return to global prominence. Her ability to rally the rugby fraternity and steer clear of boardroom drama will define whether this moment becomes a turning point or just another twist in KRU’s political saga.
But for now, the spotlight is firmly on Okach—and on the fact that, finally, a woman is running the game.
