Barely a month ago, I was part of a team that gave up a lot to ensure that despite anything, the rugby ALWAYS goes on.
A team that despite numerous changes to the administration structures after board elections, is still focused on keeping the rugby on the field going. You will hardly see them in the media but you won’t miss them during rugby games, with accreditation badges dangling from their necks running around just to make sure that things go smoothly.
Today, still high on the excitement of Kenya Fifteen’s win over Spain, I write a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Kenya Rugby Union, the Secretariat.
The few whom without, the KRU as we know it, would be non existent. The few whom, given more resources will champion the revolution of KRU. The few whose collective efforts shape up KRU. The team that when empowered will deliver in the shortest of timelines. The family that trusts each other to deliver.
Judy Wanjira- Administration Manager.
Joining the KRU as a teenager, Judy’s career has been defined here. She is the undisputed ‘Mama KRU’ as her wisdom shapes the implementation of policies set out by the KRU Board.
She’s humble and quiet, calm and collected. The Queen of logistics, many who visit Kenya through KRU will tell you that they would pay her to be their travel agent. Her brain is storage to a bulk of contacts she has made over the years at KRU. She is arguably KRU’s most resourceful personnel. She has survived through numerous boards and to date is in charge of the KRU staff, reporting directly to the CEO.
Michael Mwanja – Fixtures and Competitions Administrator
Hard to miss on game day given his height, he has cut a niche for himself as a rugby administrator. Learning his way through competition structure to become Kenya’s most sought after tournament director. He also doubles up as the liaison for the National Teams ensuring they are well kitted and their travelling documents are always up to date.
Michael Kwambo – Communications Manager
At first glance he’s laid back and silent, then you put him in a studio and from his mouth pours the rugby knowledge gathered through the years on and off the pitch. Then you give him a pen and he fills the pages with words. In his stay at KRU, the Union boasts of the 2nd best communication channels in Africa after South Africa. Ensuring that information is readily available on request and cementing KRU’s online presence.
George Mwangi Ndemi – Training and Education Facilitator
It is difficult to define Malik, in short there is no Malik without rugby and no rugby without Malik. He doubled up as a coach/player for Pan Africa Strathmore Leos last season. At the office he ensures that the continually growing rugby playing communities, have World Rugby Certified personnel to train them.
He is a World Rugby Educator and transverses the country to teach rugby – the only thing he is passionate about. He hardly smiles so mostly looks fierce at first glance but I thought it good to have his only pic with a smile so that all of you who want to learn some coaching can approach him without caution.
Vincent Maranga – Match Officials Administrator
KRU’s most jovial employee, when he isn’t working you’ll spot him in referee kit, a job he enjoys just as much. A member of the Kenya Rugby Referees Society, Maranga or Chweya as popularly known ensures that all fixtures are officiated by World Rugby Certified referees.
He found his place as a referee after sustaining an injury while playing for his old club, Blak Blad. He however occasionally plays, but trust me you’d rather have him as a match official.
Simon Jawichre – Finance Manger
The man who has been in charge of KRU finances, has quiet the persona. He enjoys rugby just as much as he enjoys accounting. Doubling up as coach of the KCB academy and Catholic Monks, Simon ensures that payments are made in due time to ensure operations continue uninterrupted. For a long time he has ensured KRU’s books balance.
Nicholas Aballa – Women & Age Grade Facilitator
Under his tenure, KRU has successfully ran the inaugural Women’s Invitational tournament. He also doubles up as coach at Shamas Foundation where most of his age-grade rugby skill is optimized. He served on the technical bench of the Kenya U-19 cementing his coaching skills under his former coach Paul Murunga aka Pau. He went on to be head coach at Africa Nazarene University.
Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno – Rugby Services Manager
Tank needs no introduction, he has served the union in various capacities ranging from national team player and coach. He now ensures that all rugby activities in the country are done under World Rugby Certified rules and regulations. He also had a short stint as acting CEO. In his tenure rugby has expanded to all corners of the country and his main objective remains to build enough capacity to manage it.
Fred Yida – CFO, Ronald Bukusi – CEO.
The new faces on the KRU block. While Bukusi has been part of KRU before, he takes charge of a totally different Union – where the game has grown both in participation and commercially. He took over at a time when the Union had to pay for past misdoings, it will be interesting to see where the duo will steer the union.
A special mention to Caleb Kiprotich who left almost at the same time as I did, having served KRU as the Procurement Officer. Even though his dreams of playing for the National team were hindered by his lean body, he still turns up as #9 for the Catholic Monks where he also doubles up as coach.
Having being part of this team, today I take a bow to salute lady and gentlemen for your daily efforts at KRU. ASANTE SANA. Your efforts are appreciated. Bring on the 7s season.
KRU -Kenya Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby in Kenya. It is a public office located at RFUEA Grounds, Ngong Road. For inquiries send an e-mail to info@kru.co.ke or log in to www.kenyarfu.com
Author is former Marketing Executive at KRU
