KRU has been in the process of re-shaping the organization in order to attract its main sponsors back to the sport after they expressed concerns over accountability, transparency and governance in the body. Their efforts have not been in vain since the organization and its key sponsors; Safaricom, Kenya Airways and Bamburi Cement have announced the resumption of key sponsorship discussions with a view to re-starting their engagement in coming months.
Some of these reforms include new H.R procedures, finance processes and independent committees. KRU has also introduced new structures to create structured guidelines for managers, coaches and players. The Union will also host the first ever National Development Conference on 2nd September which is themed “Towards Accountable Management and High Performance in Rugby” whereby all rugby stakeholders in Kenya will be involved.
Despite the management issues that have dogged KRU, its key sponsors reiterated their willingness to support the continued growth of the game by nurturing and exposing talent. Safaricom CEO, Bob Collymore, noted that the sport requires continued sponsorship in order to grow although Safaricom is reluctant to do so unless they are confident that their concerns on ethics have been addressed.
On his part, Kenya Airways Marketing Director, Chris Diaz said that KQ is keen to reiterate its continued support to the new management and all activities that will grow the team despite being aware that there are still some unsettled issues in the union. Bamburi Cement hoped that the renewed commitment by the leadership is followed through with appropriate action. Here at Hapa Kenya we certainly hope so too and wish Shujaa and the Kenyan rugby scene in general all the best.