Cricket Player Profile - Kennedy Otieno
- Full Name: Kennedy Otieno
- Birth Date: 11 Mar, 1972
- Age: 49 years 25 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style:
- Teams: Kenya
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 90 | 87 | 1 | 2016 | 144 | 3561 | 56.61 | 2 | 12 | 43 | 14 | ||
| T20Is | 4 | 4 | 0 | 74 | 40 | 79 | 93.67 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| First-class | 33 | 57 | 0 | 1330 | 104 | 1 | 9 | 47 | 2 | ||||
| List A | 146 | 142 | 6 | 3616 | 144 | 4 | 21 | 74 | 17 | ||||
| T20s | 4 | 4 | 0 | 74 | 40 | 79 | 93.67 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 90 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 0 | - | - | - | 5.00 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| First-class | 33 | 24 | 24 | 1 | 1/24 | 1/24 | 24.00 | 6.00 | 24.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| List A | 146 | 6 | 5 | 0 | - | - | - | 5.00 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| T20s | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Early Life
Kennedy Otieno was born on March 11, 1972, in Nairobi, Kenya. Growing up in a country where cricket was not as popular as football, Otieno developed a passion for the sport at a young age. The son of a school teacher, he was encouraged to pursue his interests, and cricket swiftly became his focus. His early exposure to the game was primarily through school competitions and local clubs, where he honed his skills as a right-handed batsman.
Debut
Otieno's talent soon garnered attention, and in 1994, he made his international debut for the Kenyan national team in a One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies. His debut came at a time when Kenyan cricket was in a phase of development, and he emerged as one of the promising players in a squad filled with potential. His performance in the early matches showcased his ability to adapt to different game situations and played a crucial role in solidifying his place in the team.
Career Milestones
During his career, Kennedy Otieno achieved several key milestones that made him a prominent figure in Kenyan cricket. He was part of the Kenyan squad that gained international recognition at the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where Kenya performed exceptionally well, reaching the semi-finals. This was a historic achievement for Kenyan cricket, and Otieno was a significant contributor. In the tournament, he scored notable runs that helped propel Kenya past established cricketing nations.
Records and Achievements
Over the course of his career, Otieno set several records and achieved remarkable feats, which included:
- Playing a total of 71 ODIs for Kenya from 1994 to 2008.
- Amassing 1,193 runs in ODIs at an average of 21.93 with a top score of 69.
- Contributing to Kenya's success in the ICC World Cricket League.
- Being part of the Kenyan squad in two ICC World Cups (1996 and 2003).
- Achieving remarkable performances against top cricketing nations, particularly during the 2003 World Cup.
Impact on the Game
Kennedy Otieno is celebrated not only for his performances on the field but also for his role in elevating cricket in Kenya. He inspired a generation of cricketers in a country where the sport continues to grow. Otieno's journey from local pitches in Nairobi to international arenas serves as motivation for young players aspiring to make their mark. His resilience and commitment to the sport continue to resonate within the Kenyan cricket community.
Career Statistics
Below are Kennedy Otieno's career statistics across different formats:
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Batting Average | Top Score | Half Centuries | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 64 | 1,193 | 21.93 | 69 | 6 | 69.22 |
List A Matches
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Batting Average | Top Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126 | 110 | 2,523 | 28.48 | 113 |
Impact on Domestic Cricket
Otieno also made substantial contributions to domestic cricket in Kenya, playing for various clubs and representing Nairobi in local competitions. His experience and strategic understanding of the game provided invaluable mentorship to younger players.
Conclusion
Kennedy Otieno remains a significant part of Kenyan cricket history. His journey from grassroots cricket to the international stage exemplifies the spirit of determination and the growing potential of cricket in non-traditional cricketing nations. As young cricketers in Kenya continue to rise, Otieno's story serves as a reminder of the impact and possibilities that cricket holds in shaping futures.
