Alexander “Sasha” Mutai is a Kenyan quantity surveyor, arbitrator, and former chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). He was appointed KRU Chairman in March 2023, succeeding Oduor Gangla, and served until his resignation in May 2025.
Mutai’s tenure was marked by efforts to revitalize Kenyan rugby, including securing sponsorships and advocating for improved training environments for national teams. However, his leadership faced challenges, including internal conflicts within the union and allegations of financial mismanagement, leading to his resignation ahead of a no-confidence motion.
Following Mutai’s resignation, Harriet Okach was appointed as the new KRU Chairperson, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the union’s history.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Hometown
Sasha Mutai was born in Kenya, with his exact birthdate and place of birth remaining private. Details about his early life and family background are limited, contributing to a sense of mystery surrounding his personal history.
Academic Background
Mutai pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a degree in Quantity Surveying. His academic journey laid the foundation for his analytical skills and attention to detail, which later became instrumental in his professional endeavors.
Professional Career
Quantity Surveying and Arbitration
Professionally, Sasha Mutai is a qualified quantity surveyor and an accredited arbitrator. His expertise in construction and project management has been recognized through his membership in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb). Mutai’s career in this field has been distinguished by a commitment to excellence and a reputation for resolving complex disputes with integrity.
Involvement in Rugby Administration
Mutai’s association with rugby began as a player for the University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine, where he demonstrated leadership and initiative. In 2006, at the age of 28, he became the youngest-ever director elected to the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) board. During his tenure, he secured significant sponsorships, including a kit deal with KooGa and a partnership with Virgin Atlantic, marking Kenya’s first airline sponsorship in rugby.
As Vice Chairman in 2012, Mutai negotiated a landmark Ksh 250 million broadcast rights deal with Zuku, dramatically surpassing previous valuations and shifting how Kenyan rugby was perceived commercially. He also formalized a technical development partnership with South Africa’s Western Province Rugby Union, born from a 2006 meeting with rugby legend Cassiem Jabaar.
Chairmanship of Kenya Rugby Union
Election and Leadership Vision
In March 2023, Sasha Mutai was elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union. His leadership was characterized by a focus on revitalizing the sport, securing sponsorships, and improving the performance of national teams. He emphasized the importance of treating rugby as a business and worked towards creating a sustainable financial model for the union.
Achievements During Tenure
Under Mutai’s leadership, KRU secured several significant sponsorships:
- Kenya Airways returned as a sponsor for the Kenya Simbas, contributing Ksh 15 million.
- Safaricom’s M-Pesa signed a Ksh 100 million deal supporting both the Kenya Lionesses and the men’s sevens team.
- SportPesa and Crown Paints were brought back as partners, providing critical support for the teams.
Resignation from KRU Chairmanship
Reasons for Resignation
On May 30, 2025, Sasha Mutai resigned as Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union during a Special General Meeting. His decision was influenced by internal board wrangles, political pressure, and the need to protect his integrity. Mutai cited allegations of financial mismanagement and deepening divisions within the board as key factors leading to his resignation.
In his resignation speech, Mutai emphasized his commitment to integrity and transparency, stating, “I will not compromise my values and integrity. I’ve lived 48 years with those standards, and this is not the time to change just to be chairman of Kenya Rugby Union.”
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Details about Sasha Mutai’s family and personal relationships are kept private, reflecting his preference for maintaining a low public profile outside of his professional endeavors.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond his professional life, Mutai is known to have a passion for rugby, both as a sport and as a means of community engagement. His involvement in rugby administration showcases his dedication to the development and promotion of the sport in Kenya.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Sasha Mutai’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his professional roles as a quantity surveyor, arbitrator, and former chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union suggest a successful career with significant financial standing.
Conclusion
Sasha Mutai’s journey from a player to a leader in Kenyan rugby exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. His tenure at the Kenya Rugby Union, though short-lived, was marked by significant achievements that have contributed to the growth and professionalization of the sport in Kenya. As he moves forward, Mutai’s influence on Kenyan rugby remains evident, and his story serves as an inspiration for future leaders in sports administration.
FAQs
Who is Sasha Mutai?
Sasha Mutai is a Kenyan quantity surveyor, arbitrator, and former chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union, known for his contributions to the development of rugby in Kenya.
What is Sasha Mutai’s educational background?
Mutai holds a degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Nairobi.
When did Sasha Mutai serve as Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union?
He served as Chairman from March 2023 until his resignation in May 2025.
What were some of Sasha Mutai’s achievements at KRU?
Under his leadership, KRU secured significant sponsorships, including deals with Kenya Airways, Safaricom’s M-Pesa, SportPesa, and Crown Paints.
Why did Sasha Mutai resign from KRU?
Mutai resigned due to internal board conflicts, political pressure, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
What is Sasha Mutai’s profession outside rugby?
He is a qualified quantity surveyor and an accredited arbitrator.
Has Sasha Mutai been involved in any legal disputes?
Yes, during his tenure, he faced allegations of financial mismanagement, which he denied.
