Fondly known as the MCC of Kenya Cricket, the Kenya Kongonis Cricket Club (KKCC) had a successful 70th United Kingdom Tour.

Some significant fund-raising in recent years has seen a development transpire where KKCC UK sponsor two young cricketers from Kenya to join them on the tour each year. KKCC are also helping to improve the facilities for members of the KKCC in Nairobi at The Nairobi Club.

The two youngsters who were due to visit the UK this year were Moses Otieno and Peter Kituku who have both recently represented Kenya at the U-19 level. Unfortunately, they could not attend due to unavoidable circumstances.

One of the Kenyan scholars sponsored to join the Kongonis on the tour last year was Alex Obanda (aged 15 then) who is now in the full Kenya squad. He is a marvellous prospect as an elegant stroke playing batsman in the Brian Lara mould. KKCC is proud to be associated with the youngsters who are making to represent at the national level.

The tour started on Sunday 17 July at Charterhouse Friars. Matches were then played from 27 July to 05 August against Wisborough Green, Ditchling, Forty Club (at St John’s Leatherhead) Coldharbour, Broadhalfpenny Brigands, Cuckfield, Brook, Blackheath, Lindfield and
Chichester Priory Park .

There was also the annual tour dinner at Gatton Manor on Friday 29 July following a golfing weekend at the same venue, near Dorking in Surrey. As with the past two years, golf was played on Friday and Saturday with the tour dinner taking place on the Friday evening

England Selector, Geoff Miller, was the main speaker this year. During his career Geoff played in 34 test matches, 25 one day internationals, 7 overseas tours, scored over 14,000 runs, was captain of Derbyshire and Vice Captain of England, took over 1000 wickets and held over 300 catches. As Ian Botham’s room-mate for five years he had, no doubt, had quite a few funny stories to tell!

Their final invitational match was on Thursday on 29 September at The Lord’s Nursery ground against The Cross Arrows Cricket Club. They are also due to launch their website very soon which will contain amongst other match reports, statistics going back 40 years.

Friends of Kenya Cricket UK are proud to be associated with The Kenya Kongonis Cricket Club.