Join Friends of Kenya Cricket (UK)

The organisation was launched in September 2004 seeking to raise the profile of Kenyan Cricket worldwide by providing financial and skilled assistance to Kenyan cricket at all levels in readiness for Kenya to achieve Test status.

Among the hundred or more guests at the function were Kenyan sporting heroes from the hockey and cricket teams, Indian cricket legend Farokh Engineer, the current Kenya cricket captain Hitesh Modi, Sam Ochieng of the Kenya Community Support Network, and a host of prominent Kenyan businessmen in the UK.

Until Kenya becomes a Test-playing nation, it will not fully partake from the International "pot". In spite of doing so well in the last World Cup, it does not enjoy sufficient financial support to help develop local cricket. To become a Test-playing nation, it needs a strong cricketing infrastructure. The development of grounds, umpires, scorers and facilities for spectators at grounds and the development of youth and women's cricket - all need financing. It's a "chicken-and-egg" situation.

In 1999, Kenya played against some of the Lancashire League clubs in their warm-up matches before the World Cup in England. Thanks entirely to the efforts of Surinder Biant of Rochdale, the local Metropolitan Borough Council raised all the money necessary to finance Kenya's nine-day programme. The idea that Kenya needed Friends overseas like him took root. Harilal Shah, the manager of the team at the time, carried this forward, and Kenya Cricket Association stalwarts Jimmy Rayani and Jasmer Singh supported the idea of forming a body called Friends of Kenya Cricket, to be set up in cricket-playing countries around the world.

If you are passionate about cricket, and like the idea of supporting the Kenyan cricket team on tour, or simply want to volunteer your skills, then join Friends of Kenya Cricket UK, and help develop the game in Kenya ... make a difference.

Benefits

All members will be entitled to a cricket tie or brooch

Fundraising get-togethers and the annual dinner provide a great way to meet Kenyans in the UK, including prominent personalities such as His Excellency the Kenyan High Commissioner

A regular newsletter will not only keep members in the picture as to how Friends of Kenya Cricket UK is helping to develop cricket in Kenya, but also provide up-to-date news from the general cricket scene in Kenya

Members will also be eligible to free entry to all international cricket matches played in Kenya, and will be accommodated in a select area of the ground

Visit us on our website www.friendsofkenyacricket.org.uk and keep in touch with cricket in Kenya. Or simply download a membership application form.

For supporters wishing to travel with the team on international tours and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, support the team by wearing merchandise bearing our flagship brand "Simbas on Safari" (Lions on Tour). Simbas on Safari will encourage support for Team Kenya, mainly on away tours where opposing fans can be rather nerve-wracking to play in front of - visit www.simbasonsafari.com for more details.