Cricket Kenya is to offer improved National Squad contracts to 20 players.

Following an extensive process which involved detailed reviews of performances and statistics, consultation with all CK coaching staff, previous and soon to be appointed national selectors, ICC High Performance Programme staff and coaches and analysis of the National team’s forthcoming programme, the 20 players were selected on the basis of their ability and potential to improve the National team’s performances and results in the medium and long term. The Ministry of Sport has also been involved in the consultation process.

The players have been offered contracts for a one year period with a full review to be conducted after completion of the new East African competitions in November 2011 and again in February 2012. The players have been offered improved salary retainers and guaranteed match fees in the new East African competitions.Thirteen players offered contracts have been announced today with a further seven to follow before the end of July.

Chief Executive Tom Sears said: ‘The Board has awarded these contracts with a view to building a National squad capable of representing Kenya with distinction in the coming years.  There is a blend of experienced players who have competed in World Cups and other ICC events and some young players who have come through our Development programme and age group teams.

‘It is very much a squad for the future of Kenyan cricket and we have selected multi-faceted players who have the ability to excel in more than one of the three disciplines – batting, bowling and fielding. We have to aim to excel in the two areas we have complete control of - fielding and fitness, and achieve genuine World class standards in these areas. If we achieve this collective performances and results will improve. The newly contracted players all have the ability to reach these levels as well as perform with bat and ball. They will be subjected to regular fitness testing and expected to attain specified standards, their contracts will be dependent on reaching and exceeding these standards.

‘Changes in ICC and ACA competitions meant we had to change the format of the contracts slightly and when we reviewed our options we felt it was important to include a number of younger players who have demonstrated they have the potential to contribute positively. We have invested in the future, hence the larger number of contracts that previously anticipated.

‘The review at the end of the East African competitions will give the soon to be appointed National Selectors and National coaching staff the opportunity to add to the contracted players if necessary and if a player’s performances have demanded inclusion in the squad in their opinion. The new competition structure will give every player the opportunity to force their way into contention and equally the players with contracts will need to reach and maintain high standards of performance or risk putting their contract in jeopardy. Consistent high performance will be rewarded, substandard performance will be addressed.

‘Most of the players contracted will be based in Kenya, some will be based overseas and their contracts activated when they are available for National duty. What is important is that the door is open to any player, wherever they are based, if they can show they have the potential to reach the standards we expect.

‘Players without contracts may well be selected for National duty if their performances have dictated they should be selected, equally having a contract is no guarantee of selection.

‘Being awarded a contract to represent Kenya is an honour and with it comes expectations and responsibilities on and off the field. We will expect very high standards in all areas and believe the selected players can reach these and take Kenyan cricket to the levels we aspire to.’

The 13 players offered contracts today is as follows: