ICC officials conclude two-day visit to evaluate Kenya's cricket development

At the end of a two-day visit to Kenya by International Cricket Council officials, it was resolved that Kenya was on the right track in regards to local cricket development, with more checkpoints set to be achieved even as the country strives to make the cut for regular funding.

Among the top officials present in Tuesday’s final meeting with Kenyan local and international stakeholders, was ICC General Manager of Global Development William Glenwright who also emphasized Kenya’s potential for penetrating the ICC growth market.

Following a period punctuated with leadership wrangles at Cricket Kenya, ICC in May 2020 barred funding the national body until its house was put in order.

Fast forward to mid-June this year, owing to Kenya meeting some of the governance structure requirements - that included appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, Development Director and Chief Finance Officer - the global governing body of cricket reinstated Kenya into their list of over 100 beneficiaries, only that the funding as opposed to full funding, was on a quarterly basis.

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“It was great to hear that they (ICC) were happy to work with us and to even support our activities given we have complied with most of their membership criteria,” Thomas Odoyo, who is the country’s Cricket Development Director, told Mozzart Sport on Wednesday. “Evaluation of our current position was pivotal as it continuously gives us parameters that we ought to stay in line with.”

Among other issues discussed in the official meetings included; Kenya’s development roadmap - involving plans for youth cricket camps and ladies leagues - and state of the cricketing structures in the country.

So far, following Cricket Kenya’s polls in February last year, the body has managed to have the top tier women’s league in operation, running seven camps around the country this year, and officials’ courses in the country.

Additional talks mentioned by Glenwright circled around bids for inclusion of cricket in the 2028 and 2032 Summer Olympic Games.