Cricket Kenya sacks CEO Bukusi, removes three directors; women's team to get contracts

Cricket Kenya's chief executive, Ronald Bukusi, has had his contract terminated with immediate effect after the federation's Independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee upheld a financial-management complaint against him, the board said in a statement reported by The Standard on 26 October.

"The employment contract between Cricket Kenya and Ronald Bukusi is hereby terminated with immediate effect," the statement said.

The committee's decision is dated 20 October. "The Committee finds the financial-management allegation substantiated and upholds it," it said, citing concerns over financial reporting, expenditure records and management accountability. The complaints it examined covered the handling of funds, compliance records and the federation's proposed affiliation with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).

The Standard's report carried no response from Bukusi.

The board, led by chairman Bhavesh Gohil and vice chairperson Pearlyne Omamo, also removed directors Thomas Odoyo and Beryl Oyugi and a third director, Hirani, for failing to submit Chapter Six compliance documents as required by the Cricket Kenya constitution. The resolutions followed a meeting held on 23 October.

Weldon Cheruiyot Mutai replaces Hirani and Sarah Mayaka replaces Oyugi. Odoyo's replacement is still being sought. Every transaction now requires the joint signatures of Gohil and Omamo.

The board appointed former Kenyan cricketer Tariq Iqbal acting chief executive pending the competitive recruitment of a substantive chief executive.

Also on 23 October, the board approved performance-based contracts for the women's national team, The Star reported on 27 October. It is the first time Kenya's women cricketers will receive formal contractual recognition. The decision follows petitions from both the women's and men's national teams.

Iqbal has been tasked with developing the contract framework with the women's team technical bench. He will consult the chief finance officer to make sure the necessary budget provisions are made.

The board also resolved to provide medical insurance for both national teams and their technical staff, and approved plans for independent selection panels for the women's national team and the Under-19 women's team. Counties will be grouped into four regions, each expected to receive funding and cricket equipment for development programmes.

"Cricket can be more than a passion; it can be a profession," Omamo said, as quoted by The Star.

On the field, Kenya beat Denmark by 103 runs on 21 October at the Nairobi Gymkhana Ground in their opening fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A round they are hosting, part of the qualification pathway towards the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Kenya made 324 for 7 in 50 overs and bowled Denmark out for 221 in 44.1 overs. Irfan Karim scored 106 off 115 balls and was named Player of the Match.