Nairobi:Corporate partners have increased their support for the 2026 Safari Sevens, with enhanced investment in the tournament, player welfare, talent development, and fan engagement as the event approaches.
According to Kenya News Agency, Richard Omwela, Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), emphasized the importance of sustained corporate backing in strengthening rugby and creating opportunities for players. The Safari Sevens is scheduled to run from October 9 to 11 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, featuring national, invitational, and franchise teams from Kenya and beyond.
The tournament will include Kenya’s defending men’s champions Shujaa, Kenya Morans, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Scotland, and several international invitational teams. The women’s competition will host defending champions Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda, Tunisia, and other invitational teams.
Safaricom has announced a Sh2 million contribution to the Safari Sevens, part of a two-year partnership with KRU supporting the national Sevens teams, Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, with player allowances, medical insurance, airtime, and financial literacy support.
Kevin Wambura, Safari Sevens Tournament Director, highlighted that this 28th edition will feature 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams, offering a platform for local and international players to compete in Nairobi. He noted strong ticket sales and encouraged more fans to attend. The women’s trophy will be named after Warren Abrahams, the late Belgian women’s Sevens coach, in recognition of his contributions to rugby and the Safari Sevens.
SportPesa reiterated its commitment to Kenyan rugby, supporting the National Sevens Circuit and enhancing fan engagement during the Safari Sevens. Crown Paints Kenya, partnering with KRU for the second time, is committed to developing rugby and offering community-based players opportunities to compete at a higher level.
The increased corporate backing coincides with Kenya’s preparations to host the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens after Shujaa’s victory at the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius. The win, secured by defeating Madagascar 15-12, marked Kenya’s seventh continental title and boosted the national team’s confidence ahead of the home tournament. The Safari Sevens will unite Kenya’s national teams, local clubs, international sides, corporate partners, and rugby fans, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading rugby Sevens destination in Africa.
