Kenya's Women's fifteens national team lifts the 2011 Elgon Cup

There is an aura of complacency surrounding women’s rugby in Kenya. It is now time to take steps to move it to the next level.

Development of women’s rugby in Kenya has to become a matter of national concern. I want to be able to read about the girls’ rugby competition at the national secondary schools games. I want to read about a women’s rugby clubs league and I want that league to consist of more than three teams. I want to hear about a women’s university rugby league. I want to hear about Kenya hosting an international women’s tournament attended by teams other than Uganda.

When we do get to watch the girls and women’s teams play, we all remark about how well they play, how experienced they have become, how much exposure they need to get. Talk is great. But it needs to be backed up by actions.

Women’s rugby in Kenya does need more exposure and awareness. This means that we need to create opportunities for more games and tournaments for both local and international teams.

The women’s game needs to get local partners to assist in financing and supporting women’s rugby in Kenya. The arguments for how women’s rugby needs to be seen to be performing before corporates can come on board, and how women’s rugby cannot perform without funding are chicken and egg stories, which do not help the situation.

Perhaps Kenyan rugby should focus on appealing to philanthropic corporates other than those that only focus on immediate returns on investment. We can no longer look at women’s rugby as a product, which has to be packaged to suit possible investors. Consider the milestones that women’s rugby in Kenya has made thus far, the lives that it has affected, the ethos that it promotes amongst the players and then think of the kind of people or corporates that we want to help to promote the women’s game.

In 2009, I served as Team Manager for the women’s national team. During this time, I watched the players exhibit a great love for the game by diligently attending training sessions throughout the year for two competitive fixtures, in the Elgon Cup, which are sometimes uncertain. This year for example, the return leg in Uganda was dropped and the Elgon Cup had already been awarded to Kenya until it was announced that the Uganda leg was back on.

During the 2010 Safari Sevens tournament, local women’s teams were scheduled to play a game at about 9 or 10am on the final day of the tournament. The timing for the game was moved up to 8am and this was not properly communicated to the team. On arrival 8am, the women’s teams were informed that they had arrived late for their game and that they would not be allowed to take the pitch because the day’s schedule was extremely tight.

This was very unfortunate because the women had gone out of their way to invite friends and family to show up and watch them play at the Safari Sevens, which is a big deal. What was even more unfortunate was that although the women’s fixture had been cancelled because of a tight schedule, there was still enough time in the programme to have scantily dressed women run onto the pitch and dance for close to five minutes, three different times!

During my time on the Rugby Super Series committee, and particularly as Tournament Director in 2009, it took extra effort to get the women’s game to be played in the afternoon in front of fans. An early morning game might have made it easier to plan the day’s fixtures, but it would have meant that the women played to empty stands.

Despite the odds being against them the women’s rugby fraternity continues to tirelessly contribute to the growth of rugby in Kenya. Coach Sammy Kemmey, Assistant Coach Pritt Nyandatt, physiotherapist George Omondi and Team Manager Yvonno Makwali work endlessly to keep player morale up.

Members of the women’s rugby fraternity have been instrumental in running mini rugby programmes in Kenya. Also, some of the players perform administrative roles at the Kenya Rugby Union and others are IRB certified rugby referees.

Recently, it was announced that three sub unions; Western, Universities and Coast, had been formed by the Kenya Rugby Union. I hope that these sub unions have specifically included in their mandate, development of the women’s game.

We now have a director in charge of women’s rugby. This is a step in the right direction. It is also great to see that Pritt Nyandat, assistant coach for the national women’s rugby team, is part of a recently constituted National Squads Management and Elite Performance Sub Committee. I do hope that there are immediate plans for proactive engagement of the Union in development of the women’s game. I also hope that eventually, the KRU will appreciate the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya and allow the game to be governed by a separate body; Kenya Women’s Rugby Union perhaps?

Rugby clubs in Kenya also have their part to play in developing women’s rugby in the country. They can do this most effectively by creating a women’s section within the club membership and subjecting them to the same conditions as male players. This would give clubs extra members and with it, extra income from membership fees. Having women in the clubs will also increase the publicity of the club and improve chances of getting those elusive sponsorships and grants.

Finally, women rugby players in Kenya need to get out there and force the world to see them. Play hard and fight for what’s rightfully yours. You’ve earned it.

The Ministry of Rugby hosted the Elliptics Awards gala on Saturday 20th November, 2010.

Despite a two hour delay as guests trickled in, the event, MC-ed by Renee Sewe and Kule Ekirapa, was well attended and well organised.

Although KRU Director Edward Rombo was present to accept his award, I had hoped to see more representation from KRU. Maybe they weren’t invited .

It was lovely to see Harlequins well represented; officials James Absaloms Juma and Paul Nyamodi were there, as was Edward Kinyany. I also saw Alan Hicks from Nondescripts. There was a sprinkling of Mwamba players. A very jovial Sydney Obonyo, the new Mean Machine coach was also in attendance, and Mitch Ocholla brought some of his Leos along. Godwin Karuga, one of Kenya’s top referees, was also present.

The ever lovely Priya Chana also attended this event.

Steel Pulse, rugby’s original cheer leader, took the crowd down memory lane as he sang a few of his golden oldies; the X rated versions, and Rombo was only too willing to sing back up.

Award recipients included:

1. Elliptics MVP of the Year (MALE)
Innocent Simiyu

2. Elliptics MVP of the Year (FEMALE)
Philadelphia Orlando

3. Elliptics Referee of the Year
Godwin Karuga

4. Elliptics Director of the Year
Edward Rombo

5. Elliptics Team of the Year
Kenya Harlequins

6. Elliptics Best Audio Media
Capital FM

7. Elliptics Best Visual Media
Supersport

8. Elliptics Best Print Media
Nation

9. Elliptics Rookie of the Year
Ayange Felix

10. Elliptics Coach of the Year
Edward Kinyany (HARLEQUINS)

11. Elliptics School of the Year
Mang’u

12. Elliptics Fan of the Year
Millie Mwango (KENYA)

13.Elliptics Hall of Fame
Jackson ‘Jacko’ Omaido

Omaido’s induction into the Hall of Fame was well deserved and long overdue.

A few people tripped over their speeches and some shed tears. The event was over by around midnight but some stalwarts stayed on until sunrise.

All in all it was a great night, with great people.

Mentalacrobatics and Harvesttone at the Elliptics

You can see more photos of the event on Ministry of Rugby or on the ministry’s facebook page

The Ministry of Rugby has released the list of nominees for the The Elliptics Awards gala to be held on Saturday, 20th November, 2010

1. Elliptics MVP of the Year (MALE)

Innocent Simiyu
Humphrey Kayange
Peter Abuoga

2. Elliptics MVP of the Year (FEMALE)

Celestine Navalayo
Philadelphia Orlando
Stacy Awuor

3. Elliptics Referee of the Year

Raymond Oruo
Godwin Karuga
Andrew karani

4. Elliptics Director of the Year

Branco Ng’inja
Edward Rombo
Willy Ombisi

5. Elliptics Team of the Year

Kenya XVS
Kenya Harlequins
Homeboyz

6. Elliptics Best Audio Media

Capital FM
Homeboyz Radio
Radio Africa

7. Elliptics Best Visual Media
Supersport
Citizen
K24

8. Elliptics Best Print Media

Nation
Standard
Star

9. Elliptics Rookie of the Year

Ambunya David
Ayange Felix
Ombachi Dennis

10. Elliptics Coach of the Year

Edward Kinyany (HARLEQUINS)
Michael Otieno (KENYA XVS)
Bosco Muamba (MANGU HIGH SCHOOL)

11. Elliptics School of the Year

Mang’u
Kangaru
Kakamega

12. Elliptics Fan of the Year

Phillip Jalang’o (QUINS)
Millie Mwango (KENYA)
Allison Dunn (ENGLAND)
Georgie Mokuasi (USA)
Ernest Marine Gikonyo (USA)

13.Elliptics Hall of Fame (NOT FOR POLLING)

The public can vote here.

The Kenya Rugby Union has announced its annual awards gala to be held on 26^th November, 2010. The rugby fanatics’ coordinator, The Ministry of Rugby, has also announced its annual awards dinner, The Elliptics, to be held on 20^th November, 2010.

Depending on who you talk to, the KRU awards dinner was either quickly put together in response to the Ministry of Rugby announcing its plans, or has been in the pipeline for a while and only just came to fruition a few weeks ago. Whatever the case, I’m sure that we can all agree that a KRU awards ceremony is long overdue and well received.

The Kenya Rugby Union called a press conference to announce the gala and the list of nominees.

The KRU awards appear to be quite incestuous with some of the people on the selections and nomination committee being award nominees as well. The reasoning that it was inevitable because of a small rugby fraternity does not hold water. The KRU is spoilt for choice in as far as picking committee members who are in good standing with the rugby fraternity and well qualified to contribute towards picking award winners, and who were very unlikely to be nominees.

This ‘purist’ nature of the KRU may have to be rethought to take advantage of the abundant goodwill it still has with the public.

On the face of it, and even perhaps to KRU and the Ministry, it may seem as though the two events are in competition for audiences. But consider the differences between these two events. The two events appear to target different demographics.

While KRU is charging 3000 Kenya Shillings for a ticket to their event, the Ministry tickets are being sold at half the price; 1500 Kenya Shillings. Both costs may be justified given that the KRU dinner will be held at Laico Regency, a five star deluxe hotel, which is way more pricey than The Barn, a club on Ngong Road where The Ministry will host its dinner. But the fact of the matter is that while the Ksh. 3000 will dissuade some, the Ksh. 1500 will attract many.

The Ministry of Rugby is to me, a bunch of happy go lucky-look for any excuse to drink-loud-sometimes irritating other times lovable-bunch of…well, rugby fanatics. Organisers have promised that during the Elliptics, all attendees will make an effort be clean, and well dressed. I still hope they rethink the ‘bow ties and Maasai shukaas’ idea. These awards are a chance for ordinary rugby fans to celebrate and meet the national rugby heroes while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere and with the Ministry’s outreach especially this year, the cheaper tickets are likely to sell out soon. They are  a creative bunch these fanatics, and a well organised night full of surprises is expected by all.

The Kenya Rugby Union awards dinner promises a chance to schmooze with Union officials, smoke a cigar, network with the movers and shakers of Kenyan rugby. It is also a chance to meet up and discuss way forward for different KRU ventures like the Rugby Super Series and the Safari Sevens and get first hand information on the Union’s plans. Well worth the Ksh.3000.

Infact, the two dinners, between them, ensure that everyone in the rugby fraternity is catered for; players, officials, fanatics and friends of rugby and of course the media will have a lot to feed off.

Are there people who will attend both dinners? Definitely.  There is something to be look forward to at each and who doesn’t like a party?

Kenya Rugby Union has announced the 2010 KRU Awards to be presented at a gala ceremony on Friday 26th November, 2010. The selection and nomination committee is convened by Max Muniafu and includes Bill Githinji, Thomas Odundo, Michael Otieno, Edward Kinyany, Paul Odera, Felix Ochieng, Mitch Ocholla and Peter Waa.

A call for nominees was sent out a few weeks ago and the results are no surprise.

The following will be up for public voting:

XV player of the Year

• Innocent Simiyu
• Peter Abuoga
• Daniel Kiptoo

XV Team of the Year

• Kenya Harlequins
• Kenya XV
• Homeboyz RFC

XV Coach of the year

• Edward Kinyany
• Michael Otieno
• Erick Situma

Sevens Coach of the Year

• Mitch Ocholla
• Charles Cardovillis
• Paul Murunga

Sevens Team of the Year

• Strathmore
• Kenya Sevens
• Kenya Harlequins

Sevens Player of the Year

• Humphreys Kayange
• Felix Ayange
• Lavin Asego

Juniour Player of the Year

• Patrice Agunda
• David Ambunya
• Joel Omer

Women’s Personality of the Year

• Celestine Navalayo
• Sarah Otieno
• Doreen Remour

Rugby Journalist of the Year

• Ayumba Ayodi
• Brian Mulavi
• Celestine Karoney

Referee of the Year will be considered by the selection and nomination committee together with KRRS and KRU Development Manager

• Godwin Karuga
• Constant Cap
• Ray Oruo

Chairman’s Award for distinguished Service names will be submitted to the KRU Chairman for his consideration

• Michael Otieno
• Aggrey Chabeda
• Judy Wanjira

Development Award names will be submitted to the KRU board for consideration

• Eric Situma
• John Kagagi
• Malik Ndemi

Spirit of Rugby names will be submitted to the KRU board for consideration

• Mtaa Rugby Initiative
• Homeboyz Rugby
• Edward Rombo

The public vote will constitute 30% of the final decision.

We came across this group of traditional dancers entertaining people in the streets of Cape Town just before the Cameroon Netherlands game during the 2010 World Cup.

Similar displays have caused an uproar with some people feeling that it is inappropriate for women to dance topless. Others however, feel that it is no more than a display of African culture.

We decided to take a walk from the Green Point stadium in Cape Town to the Fun Park a couple of hours before Cameroon was set to meet Netherlands.

I figure Mardi Gras must be something like this!

Someone once said, “In Africa, football is not a religion, but it is everything a religion should be.”

Every day we wake up to the sound of vuvuzelas in the streets. It is like a clarion call for all football fans to wake up to another day of electrifying games. South Africa has been swept away by the vuvuzela tide. Always the radical, I promised myself that I would not conform to popular culture. I detested these vile, offensive noise makers. But eventually, I let my hair down and puckered up. Still, many shops here now advertise great deals on ear plugs or “anti-vuvuzela devices”. Read full story here.

Ghanaians cheering at the 2010 World Cup.

Nairobi is one of the most prominent cities in Africa politically and financially. It is also a major international destination and a prominent social centre. With boundless energy coursing through its veins Nairobi is the epicentre of everything fun and festive in Kenya and subsequently the home of the most regular and international festival hosted in Kenya; the Safari Sevens or Safaricom Sevens at it is known now. Read full story here.