Govt to open talks with KRU over Shujaa deal – Kaberia

Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia has said the Government will open talks with Kenya Rugby Union over new sponsorship deal with Shujaa but only after the national has conducted its March 20 elections.

The PS said his Ministry was ‘concerned’ by the state of the national sevens rugby team whose slump has raised fears of relegation from the HSBC World circuit.

He added rugby is an important tourism entity for the country and they would not allow the Kenyan game to fall into ruins as it has threatened this season due to a pay dispute between senior players and the KRU.

“As a ministry we are concerned with how the team is performing. It’s going to be very said if Kenya is relegated so it’s important for KRU to put their house in order.

“We are willing to help because this team is our pride and we can’t let it fall,” Kaberia said during an interactive session with journalists.

With head coach Paul Murunga forced to turn to a youthful squad with hardly any experience on the international scene, Shujaa have been woeful on the HSBC circuit where they sit 13th after four legs.

Mr Kaberia added that the government will henceforth pay Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne’s salary on time after the French tactician issued his latest warning that he would quit if delays with his pay persist.

” Harambee Stars’ qualification to the AFCON  is very commendable and each of their needs from this point have to be taken care of. As such we have put aside KSh2 million for their preparations and we will pay the coach all his dues on time,” Kaberia said.

Kenya will play Ghana next month in their final AFCON qualification match although they have already secured their ticket to the finals that will be held in Egypt in June.

Kaberia emphasised the government will partner with the private sector to help grow the sporting industry as they finalize ongoing renovations on different stadia across the country.