KRU appoint first-ever female chairperson after Mutai’s resignation

• KRU appointed Harriet Okach as Chairperson on June 5, 2025, to succeed Alexander “Sasha” Mutai, who stepped down late last month.
• Harriet makes history as the first-ever woman to hold this position.
• She first joined the KRU Board during the 2023 AGM, held at the same venue, where she received the highest number of votes among all candidates.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has made history by appointing Harriet Okach to serve in the chairperson’s position for the remainder of the current term, marking a significant moment as she becomes the first woman to occupy the seat.

Harriet was unanimously selected by the board on June 5, just days after the resignation of Alexander “Sasha” Mutai who stepped down on May 30 at the RFUEA Grounds during the Special General Meeting (SGM).

Following the resignation of Chairman Alexander “Sasha” Mutai on Friday, 30th May at the RFUEA Grounds, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Board convened a meeting on 5th June 2025 and unanimously appointed Harriet Okach as Chairperson to serve the remainder of the term,” the Union confirmed in a statement.

Who is Harriet Okach?

Harriet first joined the KRU Board during the 2023 AGM held at the same venue, where she garnered the highest number of votes among all candidates.

Before her election to the board, she served as the Honorary Treasurer of Kisumu RFC and later took on the role of Director of Marketing and Commercial Affairs, spearheading initiatives to elevate the sport’s profile and attract strategic partnerships.

Beyond her contributions to rugby, Harriet is a distinguished entrepreneur and communications expert with over 15 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors.

She also represents Kenya on the international stage, having been selected as one of 12 African women participating in World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 legacy initiative.

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Harriet Okach speaks after historic KRU appointment

On the domestic front, she is a key advocate for Unstoppable Rugby for Change, a grassroots movement leveraging rugby as a tool to combat gender-based violence and promote girls’ education in marginalized communities.

In response to her appointment, Harriet expressed heartfelt appreciation:

I’m humbled to be entrusted with this position. Thank you to the affiliates, KRU Board, and stakeholders for your support.

To our secretariat and the playing component, thank you for focusing on keeping the game going in spite of all the turmoil. To our fans and all stakeholders, sports unites, so please let’s all come together in growing this game that we all love. Asante sana,” said Harriet.

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Harriet assumes leadership at a defining moment, as the Kenya Simbas (national men’s 15s team) gear up for the Rugby Africa Cup, a crucial qualifier for the Rugby World Cup as they are currently training in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses are also preparing for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, set to commence this weekend in Madagascar.

Past KRU Presidents & Chairpersons

Presidents
1970 – B.G. Nicholls
1971–73 – J.N.B. Trestrail

Chairpersons

1. 1974 – Edwin A. Bristow
2. 1975 – John Gordon Bell
3. 1976 – John R.M. Lloyd
4. 1977 – Frank Gosling
5. 1978 – George Brian Mills
6. 1979–1986 – George N. Kariuki
7. 1986–1995 – Dennis Awori
8. 1995–2003 – George Kariuki
9. 2003–2011 – Richard Omwela
10. 2011–2014 – Mwangi Muthee
11. 2014–2015 – Gabriel Ouko
12. 2015–2019 – Richard Omwela
13. 2019–2023 – Oduor Gangla
14. 2023–2025 – Alexander K. Mutai
15. 2025–Present – Harriet Okach