Cricket Kenya has approved a move towards professional contracts for its women’s national team, following requests from players for greater security around their earnings. The board made the decision on October 23, after both the men’s and women’s teams raised concerns about payments and bonuses received while representing the country. Its resolution stated: “The women’s national team shall be professionalised through performance-based contracts.” The approval gives the proposal official backing, although important details still need to be worked out before players know what the new arrangement will mean.
Acting chief executive officer Tariq Iqbal has been given responsibility for preparing the next stage. He will work with the women’s team technical bench to develop a contractual framework and consult the chief financial officer about the required budget. Cricket Kenya has not announced how many players will be covered, the length of the agreements or their financial value. These details remain pending while the framework and its funding requirements are developed.
Cricket Kenya vice-chairperson Pearlyne Omamo welcomed the decision and spoke about what a professional structure could mean for players. “Cricket can be more than a passion; it can be a profession,” she said. Omamo explained that the framework would give talented players a clearer route to the highest level and help ensure their performances are recognised. The final arrangements will depend on the framework now being prepared.
The board has approved other measures alongside the proposed contracts. Medical insurance will be provided to both national teams and their technical staff. It has also agreed to establish independent selection panels for the senior women’s team and the Under-19 women’s team. Their selection process will follow the system used for the men’s national team. These decisions came after the teams raised their concerns and form part of the board’s wider plan.
Attention will also be given to the pathway from county cricket to the senior national team. Cricket Kenya plans to organise counties into four regions, with each expected to receive funding and equipment. Counties will identify promising players and help them develop through age-group teams before they move towards the senior side. The federation also intends to use savings from its restructuring for player welfare and grassroots development. This connects support at county level with opportunities in the national teams.
The federation wants these changes to help Kenya compete more strongly with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Nigeria. It is also exploring ways to give the team more international fixtures. One proposal under consideration is a triangular series involving Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. However, the series has not been confirmed and remains an idea being explored rather than a scheduled event.
Kenya’s recent results show the level of competition the team faces. At the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier, Kenya defeated Nigeria by 7 runs in the play-off semi-final. The team then lost the fifth-place play-off to Rwanda by 6 runs. In the ICC women’s T20I rankings, Kenya is placed 31st with a rating of 64. These results provide context for the federation’s aim of improving the team’s competitiveness in the region.
The board has approved several changes, but their impact will depend on how they are carried out. The contractual framework still needs a budget, and the number of players, contract values and agreement periods have not been announced. The proposed triangular series is also not confirmed. Cricket Kenya’s plans cover professional contracts, medical insurance, independent selection panels, regional development and more international opportunities. Progress will depend on the final terms, implementation and available resources for players.
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