The lakeside city of Kisumu is gearing up to host the second edition of the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit’s Dala 7s tournament on August 1 and 2 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, with organisers promising the biggest rugby festival the region has ever witnessed.
Speaking during the tournament’s official launch, Kisumu RFC Chairman Dr. Gabriel Ouma said this year’s edition has been significantly expanded to deliver a world-class sporting and entertainment experience while positioning Kisumu as a leading sports tourism destination.
Ouma announced that, for the first time, the tournament will feature a women’s rugby competition alongside age-grade matches, making the event more inclusive and creating a platform for emerging talent. He added that dedicated family zones, children’s play areas, an adults’ entertainment section and premium VVIP experiences have been introduced to cater for fans of all ages.
“We will have a very exciting rugby tournament, and we want our fans to come and enjoy the experience. With the support of SportPesa, we are making this edition bigger and better. We will have family fan zones, top entertainment acts and an exceptional VVIP experience,” said Ouma.
He revealed that ticket sales began a month ago, with early bird tickets already sold out. Fans are now purchasing discounted advance tickets, and he urged rugby enthusiasts to secure theirs early through the tournament’s online ticketing platform.
Ouma described Dala 7s as one of Kenya’s leading rugby talent development platforms, noting that several top players have emerged from the tournament, including last year’s top scorer Victor Mola.
He said the event has become a major scouting ground for clubs and national team selectors searching for the next generation of rugby stars.
“Dala 7s is a talent hub. Most rugby clubs and coaches look forward to this tournament because it provides an opportunity to identify future stars. It is arguably the biggest sports tourism event in the Lake Basin region, attracting between 10,000 and 12,000 fans, which also benefits the local economy,” he added.
SportPesa’s Head of Public Relations and Partnerships, Willis Ojwang, reaffirmed the betting firm’s commitment to growing rugby in Kenya, describing Dala 7s as a crucial pathway for players aspiring to represent the national sevens team, Shujaa.
Ojwang disclosed that SportPesa has doubled its investment in this year’s National Sevens Circuit to KSh38 million, saying the company is keen on improving both player development and the overall fan experience.
“Our preparations are on course, and we commend Kisumu RFC for introducing the women’s category. We have invested KSh38 million to support this year’s circuit because we believe Dala 7s plays a key role in identifying talent for Shujaa while giving fans a memorable experience,” said Ojwang.
He added that organisers are drawing lessons from the successful HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament recently hosted in Nairobi and are confident Kisumu will deliver a similarly high-standard event.
With elite rugby, family-friendly entertainment and increased investment from sponsors, this year’s Dala 7s is expected to reinforce Kisumu’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism while showcasing the region’s rich rugby talent.
