Kenya Sevens rugby team appeals for funds, say they have not been paid for months

The Kenya Rugby Sevens team is appealing for financial assistance, saying they have gone for months without pay.

On Sunday, the Sevens took to social media to appeal for crowd funding from Kenyans of goodwill. 

“I'm speaking on behalf of Kenya 7s. I have shared a m-changa link for whoever sees it fit to drop us something for the course. We are struggling but we have to represent you people at the Dubai and Cape Town Legs,” wrote Billy Odhiambo, who is among those who will represent Kenya in the 2023 Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town.

Billy claimed that the team has gone without pay for 3 months, straining their livelihoods and families.

“As some of you may have heard we are now going on our third month without pay. Our lives and those of our loved ones have been greatly strained, even in our persistent effort to give you the desired outcomes on the pitch,” he added.

On his part, Willy Ambaka said they have exhausted their savings, and are now appealing to Kenyans and the global community to come to their rescue. 

"As we continue to train hard, we have had to deal with the daily life challenges of bills by digging through our savings and the efforts of a few local and international well-wishers," said Ambaka. 

"Our desperate situation has now forced us to turn to you, our global community to help us in raising funds. The money raised will be split among the boys to help settle some of our pending bills - We need your assistance," he added.

Other than fundraising through the Mchanga platform, the Sevens also want their appeal to reach Sports CS Ababu Namwamba. The contributions, he says, can also be made through M-pes Paybill no: 891300, Account Number: 60365.

The appeal has attracted the attention of Kenyan leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has pledged a contribution of Ksh.100,000.

“I will start you off with 100k @Willyambaka. We are proud of the work you are doing despite the difficulties. I have also raised this matter in Senate and last week the matter was taken up by the relevant committee. Help is on the way, hang in there. @AbabuNamwamba hizi ni gani?” Sifuna wrote in a tweet on Sunday.

The Shujaa squad that will represent Kenya in Dubai and Cape Town is made up of ; Nelson Oyoo Johnstone Olindi, Daniel Taabu, Bob Muhati, George Ooro, Ronald Omondi, Billy Odhiambo, Kevin Wekesa, Anthony Omondi, Herman Humwa, Edmund Anya, Willy Ambaka, and Dennis Abukuse.