- The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has launched a dedicated Women’s Rugby Committee.
- The committee unites experts in governance, coaching, communications, and development to drive growth, visibility, and player welfare.
- The announcement aligns with the Kenya Lionesses’ 11-day training camp as they prepare for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
As the Kenya Lionesses 15s side intensifies its preparations for the upcoming 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has officially inaugurated a dedicated Women’s Rugby Committee.
This marks a significant step toward amplifying the sport’s stature and strengthening the national women’s rugby in Kenya.
The newly formed committee unites a dynamic assembly of professionals from corporate governance, coaching, communications, and sports development, all committed to fostering growth, amplifying visibility, and enhancing welfare in women’s rugby.
Nisha Van Hoek, Managing Director at Advance Public Relations & Marketing, will serve as Co-Chair, spearheading Marketing and Strategic Networking initiatives.
Thomas Odundo, the KRU CEO and a certified World Rugby Educator, will take on the role of World Rugby Accredited Educator.
Meanwhile, Wambui Mumbi for the Media and National Squads Liaison is joined by Paula Lanco in Rugby Governance and Networking (KRU, Rugby Africa & World Rugby).
Wanjiku Wairia will serve as Corporate Governance Strategist, while Faith Basiye takes on the role of Corporate Networking Executive at KCB Bank.
Wairimu Nyathira will assist Mumbi in Media, Communication, and PR in Sports.
Mary Ochieng will serve as Women’s Rugby Coach, Technical Development, and finally, Shirley Anindo will focus on Player Welfare and Mentorship.
The committee’s major objectives are to establish robust governance and safeguarding policies, as well as enhance grassroots talent development and nurture young talents in the rugby field.
To strengthen women’s rugby, the committee will aim to ensure there are strategic partnerships and sponsorships.
They will also work on promoting media visibility and inclusive storytelling, while maintaining equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
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KRU Chairman and leaders perspectives
KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai emphasized the significance of leadership in women’s rugby.
Leadership in rugby is about fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every player, coach, and administrator has the right platform to succeed. This committee reflects our commitment to the growth and sustainability of women’s rugby in Kenya.” — Sasha Mutai, Chairman, Kenya Rugby Union
Co-Chair Nisha Van Hoek expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to contribute:
Driving the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya requires not just passion, but purposeful communication and inclusive leadership. I’m proud to be part of a team that is creating inclusive pathways and elevating women’s participation at every level of the game.” — Nisha Van Hoek, Co-Chair
KRU CEO Thomas Odundo welcomed the committee members, underscoring the distinctiveness of the women’s game:
“The women’s committee is a welcome addition to our structures. It allows the game to grow along its own unique path one that is not necessarily tied to the men’s journey.” — Thomas Odundo, CEO, KRU
The Kenya Lionesses will compete in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar this June, with key fixtures lined up against Madagascar, South Africa, and Uganda.
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Women’s Rugby Committee Members
- Nisha Van Hoek – Co-Chair, Marketing and Strategic Networking
- Thomas Odundo – KRU CEO and World Rugby Accredited Educator
- Wambui Mumbi – Media and National Squads Liaison
- Paula Lanco – Rugby Governance and Networking
- Wanjikú Wairia – Corporate Governance Strategist
- Faith Basiye – Corporate Networking Executive, KCB Bank
- Wairimu Nyathira – Media, Communications, and Sports PR
- Mary Ochieng – Women’s Rugby Coach, Technical Development
- Shirley Anindo – Player Welfare and Mentorship
Upcoming Fixtures – Rugby Africa Women’s Cup
- May 28 – Final squad trimmed to 28 players
- June 5–16 – Tournament in Madagascar
- June 7 – Kenya vs Madagascar (Host)
- June 11 – Kenya vs South Africa (Defending Champions)
- June 15 – Kenya vs Uganda (Regional Rivalry)