Harriet Okach makes history as first female KRU boss
Harriet Achieng Okach during a past event at the EABL offices in Nairobi on September 24, 2024. She is the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairperson replacing Sasha Mutai who resigned on May 30, 2025.
What you need to know:
- “My short-term goal is to unify the board, players, and clubs following the protracted wrangles in the board,” said Harriet on Thursday.
Harriet Achieng Okach, fondly known as Harriet, is the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairperson, marking the first time a woman has led the rugby body in the country’s history.
The KRU board, in a meeting held on Thursday evening, picked Harriet to succeed Sasha Mutai, who resigned last Friday during the union’s Special General Meeting.
Mutai stepped down two years and two months into his four-year term, after a confidence motion was tabled at the meeting over governance issues.
Harriet had been proposed alongside Vice Chairman Moses Ndale and 15s Rugby Director Moses Mukabane, but the board settled on her after both challengers stepped down.
Analysts have described the move as a tactical and unifying decision, aimed at keeping sponsors on board amid recent wrangles within the union.
Harriet joins a short list of women who have led top sports federations in Kenya, alongside the likes of Jackie Jan Mohammed, the former Cricket Kenya chairperson.
Currently serving as Director of Commercial Services at KRU, Harriet was elected to the Union's executive committee in March 2023.
Born and raised in Kisumu, she is in her early 40s and has a strong background in sports marketing and event management.
A graduate of Oxford Brookes University (UK) and an alumna of Aga Khan Primary School in Kisumu County and Lwak Girls High School, Siaya County, Harriet played a pivotal role in the successful hosting of the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Nairobi.
She was also instrumental in launching KRU’s Talent Identification Programme, focused on nurturing Under-18 and Under-20 players.
“My short-term goal is to unify the board, players, and clubs following the protracted wrangles in the board,” said Harriet on Thursday.
“My long-term plan is to bring more partners on board. We have many programs in place. We need partners for all our leagues. We have national team programs that should be made vibrant and sustainable, and that demands good funding," she added.
A Nairobi-based entrepreneur, Harriet also revealed she has a political background, having been involved in the strategic planning team of former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s campaigns.
Her journey into rugby began in 2014, when she was introduced to the sport by former Kisumu Rugby Club chairman and patron, the late Fidel Odinga.