Kenya Rugby : New sponsors almost in sight

In a matter of days barring any drastic corporate change of mind,
Kenya Rugby will see two new sponsors come on board for their two most
(easiest?) saleable products. Kenya Airways after a lot of persuasion
to their CEO Taitus Naikuni will be unveiled as the new Kenya 7's
sponsors while Safaricom will finally get the prize they have coveted
most the Safari Sevens.

That it has taken Kenya Airways so long to see the logic of being part
of rugby again is not a surprise. The surprise is that Taitus Naikuni
has finally given in to this idea is the surprise. Maybe it is true
that he is on his way out thus making it easier for new partnerships
to be formed. Credit however must go to Dick Omondi and Thomas Opiyo
for working very hard behind the scenes in thus ensuring that the
'Pride of Africa' are able to make hay while the sun shines. Opiyo is
set to be rewarded by the KRFU and will replace the ineffectual
Catherine Mugadi on the board.

Michael Joseph or MJ as he is more socially popularly known has dreamt
and coveted the Safari Sevens since his first foray a few years back.
The dream has now come true and MJ will ensure a strong legacy for the
Safaricom Safari Sevens is left behind. After the EABL fiasco MJ's
exit plan is well close to his chest. With MPESA now going beyond
borders, the timing is absolutely right. The achilles heel maybe that
this event is too close to the other major Safaricom event mainly the
Lewa Marathon. Shaka Kwach a KRFU director employed at Safaricom has
been the successful linkman here.

Telkom Orange must be in tears after seeing two targeted prizes find
their way to different rivals. Orange succesfully irritated Virgin
Atlantic till they left in a huff on the heels of EABL. As they sat
waiting to be crowned the coronation will take place elsewhere. MJ
surely doesn't mind an alliance with Kenya Airways in preference to
Orange. Western Union must watching all this very closely.

Meanwhile with rugby now an Olympic sport intense jostling for the
representative slot is going on. Secretary-General Frank Sabwa,
Development Officer Fred Ollows, Director Willie Ombisi and GM Auka
Gecheo all seek the board's nod. However others names have been
floated namely Asiko Owiro, Peter Nduati and Aggrey Chabeda. However
the Chairman Richard Omwela could decide to take up the position and
keep all the Rio hunters at bay.