Kenya Netball Federation Installs New Leadership as Immaculate Kabutha Begins Fresh Term

Immaculate Kabutha and jubilant delegates celebrate her re-election for president at the special Elective general meeting held in Nairobi on July 4th 2026. (Photo BPlus Sports)

Nairobi, Kenya – July 4, 2026

The Kenya Netball Federation (KNF) has ushered in a new leadership team following a successful Elective Special General Meeting held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Greenpark Terminus in Nairobi.

In a show of unity and confidence within the federation, all officials were elected unopposed, signaling a shared commitment to building on the gains made in recent years and steering Kenyan netball into a new era of growth and international competitiveness.

Returning President Immaculate Kabutha, who was re-elected to lead the federation, thanked delegates for their overwhelming confidence and pledged to continue strengthening the sport across the country through improved governance, athlete development, and strategic partnerships.

In her acceptance speech, Kabutha reflected on the federation's progress since first taking office in 2018. She noted that Kenya was unranked in the World Netball rankings when her administration assumed office. Through sustained investment in the sport, strong collaboration among players, coaches, officials, and stakeholders, Kenya has steadily climbed the global rankings—from 40th to 39th, 35th, 25th, 23rd, and now 21st in the world.

She described the achievement as evidence of the resilience and determination of the Kenyan netball fraternity, while acknowledging the vital support provided by the Government of Kenya.

Historic Milestones for Kenyan Netball

Kabutha also highlighted two landmark achievements that mark a new chapter for the sport. The federation has received a world-class wooden sprung netball floor, donated by World Netball through South African Netball. The facility is expected to significantly improve training standards and the quality of local competitions.

Equally significant is Kenya's selection to host an African Regional Netball Championship in Nairobi in September 2026. The tournament will also serve as a qualifying competition for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, making it the first time Kenya has been entrusted with hosting an African regional event of this magnitude.

She termed the development a major vote of confidence in Kenya's growing stature within international netball.

Call for a Permanent Home for Netball

The KNF President appealed to the Government of Kenya to support the federation's next major ambition—acquiring land to establish a dedicated world-class netball facility.

According to Kabutha, the availability of the international-standard sprung floor now presents an opportunity for Kenya to invest in permanent infrastructure that will serve generations of players while positioning the country as a regional hub for netball.

She emphasized that such a facility would become a lasting symbol of the sport's progress and Kenya's commitment to excellence.

Kabutha expressed gratitude to delegates for renewing their mandate and thanked her campaign team for their dedication throughout the electoral process. She also recognized the contribution of outgoing officials who served during the previous term and acknowledged the Office of the Registrar of Sports for guiding the federation through legal and governance reforms.

She reaffirmed the federation's commitment to operating within the Constitution of Kenya, the Sports Act, and the Registrar of Sports framework, while promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.

"As we begin this new era, let us remain united in purpose, steadfast in vision, and determined in action. Together, we will continue to raise Kenya's flag high in the world of netball,"

Kabutha said.

Kenya Netball Federation Elected Officials (2026–2030)

• President: Immaculate Kabutha
• Vice President: Daniel Kirui
• Secretary General: Abdallah Mukoya
• Assistant Secretary General: Jacqueline Wangui Kaberia
• Treasurer: Marcellah Onyimbo
• Assistant Treasurer: Everline Jerono
• Fixtures Secretary: Ronald Okomo
• Assistant Fixtures Secretary: Isha H. Suleiman

Co-opted Executive Members

• Elisah Wanjiru – Persons with Disabilities Representative
• Dr. Orondo – Institutions Representative
• Peninah Nyakundi – Gender Equality Representative
• Hezron Babu – Youth Representative

With a renewed mandate, strengthened governance structures, and major international opportunities on the horizon, the Kenya Netball Federation now turns its attention to hosting the African Regional Netball Championship in September and continuing its journey toward establishing Kenya among the world's leading netball nations.