Shujaa get back Brand Kenya deal

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has ordered the reinstatement of Brand Kenya’s KSh20 million sponsorship for the national Sevens team.

The reverse decision comes days after he had directed that the initial contract deal be terminated when he cited a lack transparency by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

In a joint press conference with the KRU, Balala reassured Shujaa that they will get continued support from the Government, marking a positive turn for their botched partnership.

Under a proposed new agreement, ‘Magical Kenya’ will replace ‘Make it Kenya’ as the Shujaa shirt logo, with the Balala indicating he will engage KRU Chairman Richard Omwela and CEO Ronald Bukusi to finalise the deal.

Balala, who was flanked by Bukusi as well as the players’ representative and former Shujaa captain Andrew Amonde added Ministry has released KSh2.5 million to players to cater for their wages.

Bukusi took the opportunity to apologise to the players, following the Paris Sevens fiasco that led to their Brand Kenya partnership being stripped, the firing of head coach Innocent Simiyu before his reappointment following a public furore.

With the wrangles settled and the main sponsor back Shujaa will now shift their focus to the upcoming World Cup Sevens rugby in San Francisco USA from July 20-23 where they will play Tonga in the pre-round of 16 in the opening match of the Sevens World Cup on July 20.