Former Kenya Simbas coach Paul Odera has been appointed the new director of rugby at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
This strategic move seeks to enhance rugby development and performance across all levels.
Odera brings a wealth of experience, having served as the national U20 head coach, where he led the team to the 2019 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
His leadership has been crucial in nurturing talent and promoting competitive spirit in the teams he has handled.
Odera is excited and honoured to take up the new role though a bit apprehensive of the Herculean task ahead.
“I look forward to achieving the three-legged African stool (borrowed from Nobel Prize Laureate Wangari Mathai),” said Odera, while describing his three positions.
His role as a World Rugby Mentor and Educator has equipped him with invaluable insights into rugby development, reinforcing his role in advancing KRU’s vision for progress and success.
He will be guided by three pillars; transformational leadership, science and data-driven planning and decision-making.
He is tasked with developing a Kenyan rugby identity based on basics while focusing on technical, tactical, physical and psychological details.
KRU chairman, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai, said: “Paul Odera has been an integral part of Kenyan rugby — as a player, captain and coach at multiple levels, including the national teams. He is a dedicated rugby professional and I welcome him to his new position. He will be instrumental in executing KRU Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which was adopted at last year’s Annual General Meeting. I wish him all the best as we aim to elevate Kenyan rugby.”
KRU CEO Thomas Odundo added: “Paul is a great addition to the secretariat. His wealth of knowledge and experience — combined with his background as a school teacher — will be invaluable in our development programmes and pathways. We are committed to supporting him in his new role.”