Kenyan rugby reacts to new woman boss
The historic appointment of Harriet Achieng Okach (above) as the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has been received with mixed reaction in rugby circles.
Clubs may have welcomed the move but with caution with most noting that allegations of corruption and issued of conflict of interest must be addressed if there is to be peace and harmony in the board.
The KRU board on Thursday picked Okach to replace Sasha Mutai, who resigned on Friday last week during the union’s Special General Meeting.
Mutai, who had served two years and two months of his four-year term, quit after a confidence motion was brought to the meeting over governance issues.
Okach had been proposed alongside vice chairman Moses Ndale and 15s rugby director Moses Mukabane to replace Mutai before the board settled on Okach after her challengers stepped down.
It’s a move that analysts dimmed as tactical and unifying so as to keep sponsors intact and cultivate harmony in the board.
Okach, who makes history as the first woman to head rugby in the country, was serving as director for commercial service at KRU since election as a committee member during March, 2023.
Okach joins a list of few women to lead top federations in the country. The other is Jackie Jan Mohammed the former Cricket Kenya chairperson.
Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Rugby Club chairman Edwin Esilaba said that Harriet had been neutral during the board wrangles hence a leveraging factor.
Menengai Oilers chairman Simpson Osiemo welcomed the move but said that he is keen on what plans Okach has for the game noting that the board still has people who have been adversely mentioned in improprieties, something that can’t be wished away.
“She is the director of commercials and has the goodwill of the rest of the board members,” said Esilaba.
“These directors who created the mess in the board are still there. They created that mess and they had to resolve it. I am not sure if the wrangles will end but we can only wish for change,” said Osiemo.
“I am keen to know in the coming days what Harriet has for the game when those who were adversely mentioned in questionable issues are still on the board,” said Osiemo, who took issue with the board members for trying to suck them into their wrangles.
“Of course, it’s the players who will suffer with the game ending up in ruins. Everybody is talking about player welfare. Yes, they are looking for opportunities in life using rugby and we shouldn’t be the reason they will fail,” warned Osiemo.
“My short-term goal is to unify the board, players and clubs following the protracted wrangles in the board,” said Harriet, adding that her long-term plan is to bring more partners on board for the benefit of clubs, players and national teams.
“We have many programmes in place. We need partners for all our leagues. We have national team programmes that should be made vibrant and sustainable and that demand good funding,” said Okach, the former Kisumu Rugby Club treasurer.
Okach, a Nairobi entrepreneur, said she has a political background, having been part of former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s strategic planning during his campaigns.
Okach, who is in her early 40s and born and brought up in Kisumu, has experience in sports marketing and event management.
Okach, a graduate of Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, played a key role in successfully hosting the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Nairobi in 2023 and was also instrumental in launching KRU’s Talent Identification Programme, focusing on developing Under-18 and Under-20 players.
Okach, who is also an old girl of Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu and Lwak Girls, Siaya, was one of Mutai’s right-hand persons in securing corporate partnerships to support rugby development.
She was introduced to rugby back in 2014 by former Kisumu Rugby Club chairman and patron Fidel Odinga back in 2014.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.