The 2026 Kenya National Sevens Circuit burst into life on Saturday with thrilling rugby action at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, where thousands of fans turned up to witness the opening day of the Dala 7s tournament.
The electrifying atmosphere saw supporters fill the stadium as 16 top rugby clubs battled for supremacy in the opening leg of the national circuit, with teams drawn into four competitive pools.
Beyond the action on the pitch, tournament sponsor SportPesa announced a substantial prize package aimed at rewarding clubs and players while boosting the growth of rugby in the country.
Speaking to journalists during the opening day of the tournament, SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorship Manager Japeth Akhulia revealed that this year’s circuit carries enhanced cash rewards for both men’s and women’s competitions.
“For the overall circuit winner in the men’s category, they will receive KSh300,000, the runners-up KSh150,000, while the second runners-up will pocket KSh100,000. For the women’s category, the overall winners will receive KSh200,000, the runners-up KSh100,000, and the second runners-up KSh50,000,” said Akhulia.
He added that each leg of the circuit also comes with attractive prize money.
In the men’s competition, the winner of each circuit will receive KSh150,000, the runners-up KSh100,000, while the third-placed team will earn KSh50,000.
In the women’s category, winners will pocket KSh100,000, with second and third places taking home KSh50,000 and KSh25,000, respectively.
For Division Two, the winning team will receive KSh70,000, while the runners-up will earn KSh50,000.
Akhulia said SportPesa had significantly increased the prize kitty to ensure more players and clubs benefit financially while also supporting the long-term development of rugby in Kenya.
“We have increased the prize kitty so that players and clubs benefit more. We have also provided financial support to the Kenya Rugby Union to help improve rugby and facilitate the growth of the game across the country,” he said.
The opening day produced several exciting results in Division One Round Three:
Zetech Oaks 19-14 Impala RFC
Menengai Oilers 26-0 MSC Rugby
Mwamba RFC 26-17 Kisumu RFC
Strathmore Leos 53-0 Embu RFC
The tournament concludes on Sunday, with more high-intensity rugby action, entertainment and a large turnout of fans expected as teams battle for the Dala 7s title.
