Newly elected Cricket Kenya vice chair Pearlyne Omamo/ HANDOUT

Newly elected Cricket Kenya Vice Chair Pearlyne Omamo has pledged sweeping reforms to restore credibility and stability at Cricket Kenya, outlining a governance-first agenda anchored on trust, transparency and professionalism.  In a wide-ranging interview with the Star, Omamo said her team will prioritise stabilising leadership and rebuilding confidence among key stakeholders, including the International Cricket Council.

1. Congratulations on your election—what does this moment mean for you personally and for Kenyan cricket?

This is both a humbling and energising moment. Personally, it affirms my commitment to serve the game I love, and for Kenyan cricket, it signals a fresh chapter, one where unity and purpose can replace division and stagnation.

2. As Vice Chair, what are your immediate priorities in supporting the new Cricket Kenya leadership?

My priority is to stabilise governance structures and rebuild trust with players, fans, sponsors, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage and the ICC. We must show that Cricket Kenya is serious about accountability and growth.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

3. How will you navigate the ICC threats to ban Kenya? Do you believe the ICC was right in their assessment of the CK board?

The ICC’s concerns were a wake-up call. While painful, they were not unfounded. My role is to ensure we meet compliance standards swiftly, engage constructively with the ICC, and demonstrate that Kenya is ready to rejoin the global cricket family with integrity and purpose of becoming a full and not just an associate member.

4. How would you describe your leadership style, and how will it shape decision-making at the board level?

I lead with inclusivity and pragmatism. Decisions will be collaborative, but always anchored in what strengthens the game and protects its future.

5. What kind of legacy do you hope to build in this new role?

I want to leave behind a cricket ecosystem that is self-sustaining, transparent, and inspiring for the next generation. A legacy where Kenyan cricket is respected internationally and loved locally.

6. What role do you see for young people and emerging talent, especially girls, in shaping the future of the game?

They are the heartbeat of our future. We will invest in grassroots programs, create pathways for girls to thrive, and ensure that talent from every corner of Kenya has a chance to shine.

7. How can cricket become more accessible across counties that have traditionally been underrepresented?

By decentralising resources, building regional academies, and partnering with schools, local county governments and county cricket associations affiliated to Cricket Kenya. Cricket must be seen not as Nairobi’s game, but Kenya’s game.

8. With your elevation to Vice Chair, how do you intend to strengthen governance and professionalism within Cricket Kenya?

We will embed clear codes of conduct, transparent financial reporting, and professional management practices at the very core of Cricket Kenya. Governance cannot be treated as an afterthought; it must be the foundation upon which everything else is built. For too long, the game has suffered from instability; now, professionalism must define how we operate. Only by running cricket in this country with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency can we place Kenya firmly on the path toward full ICC membership. That is not just an aspiration; it is where we belong, and it is the standard we must hold ourselves to.

9. What reforms would you like to see to make the board more responsive and transparent?

Regular stakeholder engagement forums, published performance reports, and open communication channels. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds momentum. Beyond governance, we must also embrace a more commercially minded approach. Cricket Kenya should position itself as an attractive partner for both local and international sponsors, creating a sustainable financial model that reduces dependency and empowers us to invest in talent development, infrastructure, and grassroots programs. Responsiveness and transparency are not just values—they are the foundation for making Kenyan cricket self-sufficient, respected, and future-ready. 

How will you leverage partnerships—both local and international—to grow the game?

We will seek strategic alliances with corporates, educational institutions, and international cricket bodies. Partnerships are not just about funding; they’re about knowledge transfer, capacity building, exposure, and building a culture of excellence.

11. How do you envision your working relationship with the new Chairman?

I see it as a partnership built on trust, respect, and shared vision. The chairman will set the tone, and my role is to complement that leadership, bringing cohesion, ensuring follow-through, and amplifying the collective voice of the board. We must operate as one team, united by the singular goal of restoring Kenyan cricket’s pride.

12. Where do you see Kenyan cricket in the next five years?

If we stay disciplined and true to our roadmap, I envision Kenyan cricket reclaiming its place on the global stage. In five years, we should have a thriving domestic league, a strong pipeline of youth talent, including a robust women’s program and a national team competing with confidence against top-tier nations. More importantly, cricket will be woven into the fabric of Kenyan society, accessible in schools and counties, and celebrated as a sport of opportunity and unity.