Businessman Bhavesh Gohil elected Cricket Kenya chairman

All the 57 delegates who were cleared by the Independent Elections Panel (IEP) turned out for the exercise.

“I have been given a car which is not working, and it needs a complete overhaul. But I have the diagnostic tools, the skills and the manpower to repair this car. Cricket Kenya, we are moving ahead,” Gohil said in his acceptance speech yesterday.

“We conduct a forensic audit of the (CK) accounts to establish whether there has been any malpractice. In case any money has been lost, we will ensure those responsible are brought to account,” Gohil, who has been in charge of cricket teams at Nairobi Gymkhana, said.

He will serve for a four-year term, which is renewable for an additional term through the polls. Gohil takes over from Manoj Patel, who sought not to defend his seat.

The elective AGM proceeded as planned after High Court Judge Lady Justice Roselyne Aburili on Friday evening stuck out a conservatory order that she had issued on Tuesday stopping the exercise from taking place. The petition had been filed by former Kenya international David Obuya and cricket enthusiast Juliana Kathure.

Lawyer and former national women’s cricket team captain Pearlyne Omamo was elected the new CK vice chairperson unopposed as she was the only candidate cleared for the position by the IEP.

Former Kenya international Alfred Njuguna clinched the treasurer’s position while Damian Omonywa was elected the Director County Associations seat. Cricket administrator Charity Wambui was voted in as the new Director Women’s Cricket.

Just like Gohil, the four officials will serve a four-year term, which is renewable for an additional term through the polls.

Njuguna garnered 40 votes, flooring Chidambaran Subramanian, who got 17 votes, while Omonywa won with 37 votes against Vidya Chandrasekhar’s 17. Wambui triumphed with 31 votes, flooring Sarah Kemunto, who managed 24 votes.

Corruption allegations have on several occasions rocked CK with former chairman Manoj Patel, Director County Association Kennedy Obuya and treasure Kalpesh Solanki among those fingered.

In September last year, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) summoned Manoj and Obuya to record statements over the alleged misappropriation of Sh26 million belonging to the federation.

On August 28, 2024, CK board also suspended Solanki over allegations that he paid himself Sh2 million in allowances for the Jersey Tournament without approval from the board. In addition, it was also alleged that he made a further payment to Kuben Pillay about Sh900,000 to incentivise him, leading to his suspension by the International Cricket Council.

Apart from holding those responsible for the misuse of CK’s funds accountable, Gohil said that his other main goals within his first 100 days in office are creating unity among cricket stakeholders, improving player and coaches’ welfare by establishing a structured salary framework, enhancing sponsorship and resource mobilisation drive, launching the establishment of a high performance training centre in the country, initiating national grassroots programmes in collaboration with schools and clubs and streamlining governance in the federation.

The rest are rebuilding relationships with international partners, including the International Cricket Council (ICC) to restore Kenya’s position in global cricket, introducing regular communication channels, including updates and reports to stakeholders, to ensure openness and accountability in all cricket operations.

During the launch of Gohil’s manifesto on Wednesday, national men’s team cricket coach Joseph Angara said they are owed nine months of unpaid salary, a situation which has made it difficult for the team to train adequately as players have been forced to take up menial jobs to earn a living.

“I will implement a clear and reliable player payment structure, ensuring that contracts, salaries and allowances are well defined and honoured on time. Players must feel valued and secure,” he promised.

He said his bid for an influential position was driven by “lack of proper governance and accountability”, noting that the infrastructure to grow the game is already in place.

In failing to streamline its governance, CK has remained under controlled funding since July 2023. Last month, ICC declared CK non-compliant with its membership and halted funding for the federation for six months.

ICC further warned that Kenya’s membership in the global governing body could be suspended or terminated if the federation fails to address the areas of non-compliance. Gohil promised to get Kenya out of ICC funding within a year.

“The first six months, I want to make sure that the house is in order. Clean up and do the laundry. After doing that, within a year, we should be off it,” said the cricket administrator.

He stated that he will leverage his business network to secure sponsorship for the game locally and avoid over reliance on ICC funding.

“I have spoken to quite a few corporate companies to sponsor us, but the only question I always get is, ' Who is there on top? They have said that if I am there, they are ready to come on board, “said Gohil.

But what are his plans in ensuring that Kenya returns to the big stages like the World Cup? “That is my vision. To bring Kenya to the global arena, that is my promise,” he stated. Kenya boasts of five ICC World Cup appearances: four One Day International (ODI) - 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2011 and one T20 (2007).

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