Gohil promises sweeping changes at Cricket Kenya after decisive victory

The election of businessman Bhavesh Gohil as the new chairman of Cricket Kenya signals a fresh chapter for the sport, with the incoming boss outlining an ambitious reform agenda for his first 100 days in office.

Gohil, alongside Vice Chairperson Perlyne Omamo, assumed leadership following a tense but decisive election held at Ruaraka Sports Club on Sunday. The polls, delayed by a series of court battles, were finally cleared to proceed after multiple petitions were dismissed, paving the way for what stakeholders hope will be a turning point for the troubled federation.

Speaking after his victory, Gohil emphasized governance and financial accountability as his immediate priorities. He revealed plans to investigate alleged misappropriation of funds and ensure those responsible are held accountable. At the same time, he stressed the need to restore stability within the federation, calling for an end to constant legal disputes that have hampered progress.

“This is really a dream team and during the first 100 days we are going to address the governing of the federation first. Apart from that, I am going to look at the financial part to investigate the cases of misappropriated funds, find the culprits and make sure the issue is sorted out once and for all,” he said.

Player welfare also featured prominently in his early plans, acknowledging the longstanding concerns over unpaid dues, pledging to prioritize remuneration to boost morale and performance.

“Most importantly, I want to make sure that the players are motivated because they have not been paid for long. When we start remunerating them I will be very happy and we are sure the players will also be happy and start training hard. Let's get back to the field now, no more court cases,” he added.

The elections delivered a largely unified leadership. Gohil won the chairmanship with 38 votes, beating former captain Tom Tikolo, while Omamo was elected unopposed. Other key positions were filled with clear mandates, reflecting a strong desire among delegates for stability and cohesion.

With a new leadership team now in place, attention shifts to delivering reforms.