Kenya’s rugby development agenda has received a major boost after leading gaming firm SportPesa unveiled a record KES 34.14 million sponsorship package for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.
The investment, which more than doubles the previous sponsorship of KES 16.5 million, marks the fourth consecutive year that SportPesa has served as the title sponsor of the country’s premier club rugby sevens competition. The enhanced funding is expected to strengthen grassroots rugby, improve fan engagement and provide a larger platform for emerging talent seeking opportunities in the national teams.
The six-leg circuit will run from July 25 to September 13, bringing together top clubs from across the country in one of Kenya’s most competitive rugby tournaments.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, SportPesa Public Relations and Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang described the National Sevens Circuit as a vital pillar in Kenya’s rugby development structure.
“The National Sevens Circuit is the heartbeat of Kenyan rugby and the foundation upon which future national stars are built. We have watched this competition produce players who went on to become Africa 7s champions, represent Kenya at the Olympic Games and elevate our standing on the global stage,” said Ojwang.
Under the sponsorship arrangement, KES 6 million will be distributed among the six host clubs, while another KES 6 million will support tournament administration through the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). SportPesa will also invest KES 9 million in content production and live streaming, KES 2 million in fan merchandise and KES 9 million in fan engagement and matchday experiences.
The circuit will also offer enhanced prize money across the men’s and women’s divisions, with overall men’s circuit champions set to receive KES 300,000 and women’s champions KES 200,000.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch welcomed the increased investment, noting that the circuit has become a critical talent pipeline for national teams including Shujaa, the Kenya Lionesses and the national 15s squads.
“Year after year, our partnership with SportPesa has given clubs the resources to organize this circuit, given players a stage to perform, and given our national selectors a bottomless talent pool to draw from,” said Okatch.
The 2026 campaign kicks off with the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru on July 25-26 before heading to Dala 7s, Kabeberi 7s, Driftwood 7s, Embu 7s and concluding with Christie 7s on September 12-13.
Defending champions KCB Rugby will begin their quest for a sixth overall circuit title after an impressive 2025 season in which they accumulated a record 126 points and won four of the six tournaments. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from rivals including Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.
With increased funding, expanded broadcast coverage and enhanced fan experiences, the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit is poised to deliver one of the most competitive and widely followed rugby seasons in recent years.
