Wanjiru Mbugua
Wanjiru Mbugua-Karani | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 June 1974 |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Alma mater | Daystar University Bachelor of Arts in Communication Université Catholique de Louvain Executive Masters in Sports Organisation Management (MEMOS) |
| Occupation | Sport Management |
| Known for | Tennis |
| Title | Tennis Kenya Secretary-General, Team Kenya CEO to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Vice President of CAT, and President of Eastern Africa (Zone IV) |
Wanjiru Mbugua-Karani (born 21 Jun 1974) is a former Kenyan Tennis player and captain now serving as the Secretary-General[1] of Tennis Kenya, Team Kenya CEO to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,[2] Vice President of Confederation of African Tennis, and President of Eastern Africa (Zone IV).[3][4]
Wanjiru is also a member of the CAT Women in Sports Commission Committee, and the International Tennis Federation Gender Equality Committee.[5][6]
Career
Wanjiru is a former Kenya National Champion,[7] and FED Cup team captain,[8] who first ventured into office in July 2011[9] after being elected a Council Member following a Kenya Lawn Tennis Association election.
In 2015 she was elected the Secretary-General of Tennis Kenya for the first time, a position she retained in the next election in mid-2019.
In January 2023, Wanjiru was named Team Kenya CEO to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba.[10]
In October 2023, she declared interest in vying for high-profile positions in CAT.[11][12] Days after the interest, she was elected the Vice President of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT)[13][14] during the 50th AGM held in Nairobi, Kenya, after seeing off Mahamoud Zayya from Comoros six to five votes in the second round of voting making her the first woman to secure that position. They had tied five votes apiece in the first round. In being voted as the Vice President, she automatically became the President of Eastern Africa (Zone IV).[15][16]
Education
Wanjiru is a Communication graduate from Daystar University. While pursuing her undergrad, she also attained a Level II Tennis coaching badge.
She holds an Executive Masters in Sport Organizations Management (MEMOS) from Belgium-based Université Catholique de Louvain courtesy of a scholarship from the International Tennis Federation.
References
- ^ Allafrica, 28 Jul 2015 Kenya: Kenani Returns as Tennis Kenya Boss as Wanjiru Elected Secretary
- ^ Team Kenya, Jan 2023 Wanjiru Karani: Profile of Kenya’s CEO to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
- ^ Nation, 27 Oct 2023 Kenya's Wanjiru elected Vice President of African tennis body
- ^ Capital News, 27 Oct 2023 Tennis Kenya’s SG Wanjiru Mbugua Elected Eastern Africa President
- ^ The-Star, 11 December 2019 Mbugua to serve on ITF committes
- ^ Michezo Afrika, 22 Jan 2022 Tennis Kenya Secretary-General reappointed to key ITF Committee
- ^ Allafrica 3 Dec 2001 Ndinya, Mbugua Crowned Champions At Nairobi Club
- ^ Tennis Forum, 13 Aug 2004 Draw Europe-Africa Group III
- ^ Next Generation Communications News, 14 July 2011 Rawal Elected New KLTA Boss As Njeri Onyango Retains Seat
- ^ Nation, 30 Jan 2023 Team Kenya at 2024 Olympics named
- ^ Nation, 19 Oct 2023 Tennis Kenya Sec-Gen Karani eyes continental post
- ^ The Star, 24 Oct 2023 Wanjiru Karani set to vie for CAT vice presidency
- ^ SportPesa News, 27 Oct 2023 Wanjiru Mbugua makes history after grabbing continental tennis seat
- ^ The Star, 28 Oct 2023 Wanji Mbugua voted African Tennis Vice president
- ^ Mozzart Sport, 28 Oct 2023 Wanjiru keen to exploit East Africa's tennis potential as she assumes office
- ^ People Daily, 30 Oct 2023 Kenya’s Wanjiru Mbugua voted Eastern Africa tennis president