KRFU and Rugby Patrons investing in Kenya Rugby?

As Gavin Hastings sits down this evening as a distinguished guest
speaker at the annual rugby patrons of Kenya dinner we applaud the
efforts of this exclusive rugby gathering in bringing one of the
worlds former rugby greats to Nairobi.

Fortunately for Gavin this is not his first visit to Kenya as the
aristocracy of Kenya Rugby a.k.a. Rugby Patrons of Kenya, did ensure
that the Scotsman was many years ago was the guest of honour of the
Tusker? Safari Sevens some years back. Well we do wish Gav a pleasant
stay at Muthaiga as he settles down to his sumptuous A la Carte dinner
this evening. A scotch on the rocks is surely his natural drink of
choice. It is a great honour to have you around Guv'nor as you are
indeed a worthy speaker fitting tonights occasion.
The Patrons for all their contribution (so they say) are a mysterious
closed rugby body. Where they actually fit in the Kenya rugby scene is
hard to know but they are most noticeable during the Safari Sevens
where they smugly sit in their reserved or preserved corner and
dutifully plan their next accompaniment of the British and Irish Lions
tour. Fortunately for them the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will
offer them solace as the recent Lions tour is one they would love to
forget in a hurry.

This year they have certainly uppped the tempo and were visible during
the Bamburi Super 4 Series finals. They are certainly investing in the
age-grade rugby program which is exposing a high number of the Kibera
neighbourhood boys and girls to the rugby world of their dreams. Of
even more interest is that these wealthied men (no women please) of
Kenyan rugby royalty will this Monday 19th October 2009 announce their
investment of Kshs 1.2 million for the construction of a permanent
borehole at their RFUEA grounds on Ngong Road. Indeed a sensible
investment indeed and another milestone for Kenya rugby.

As has been mentioned on this blog before, there is a concerted drive
and effort to invest in everything rugby related but not the players
who are the foundation of the Kenyan rugby game. Why build showers for
the players yet they have no transport to get to the rugby fields and
train? The investment is appreciated just like the KRFU plans of
buying the Unga grounds. Are these for rugby development or more
permanent parking space for fans or 'funs' as others would say. Kshs 7
million is plenty money to spend especially when the KRFU have just
lost both EABL and Virgin Atlantic as sponsors.

To the rugby patrons we say, if just 20 of you moneyed gents just gave
a million each for sponsoring the Kenya 7's, would that not be a
worthwhile investment of which the returns are definitely guaranteed?

Enjoy the mushroom soup.