SportPesa has unveiled a record KSh34.14 million sponsorship package for the 2026 National Sevens Circuit, more than doubling its previous investment and reinforcing its commitment to nurturing rugby talent and strengthening Kenya’s rugby development structures.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, June 17, sets the stage for an exciting six-leg competition that will run from July 25 to September 13, with defending champions KCB Rugby gearing up to defend their title against a strong field of challengers.
The enhanced sponsorship marks the fourth consecutive year that SportPesa has served as the title sponsor of the circuit, which has evolved into Kenya’s premier rugby development platform and a key pathway to the national teams.
Of the total sponsorship package, KSh16.14 million will be directed towards tournament operations, host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) activities and prize money. The remaining funds will support fan engagement initiatives, including improved live streaming, broadcast production and match-day experiences.
Speaking during the launch, SportPesa Public Relations and Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang described the National Sevens Circuit as the backbone of Kenyan rugby development.
“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. That is the proof of concept and we welcome other like-minded partners to join us in supporting this platform,” said Ojwang.
Under the sponsorship arrangement, each of the six host clubs will receive KSh1 million, amounting to KSh6 million in direct support. Another KSh6 million has been allocated to the KRU Secretariat for tournament organization and administration, while KSh9 million will fund content production and live streaming.
Additionally, KSh2 million will go towards circuit merchandise, with a further KSh9 million earmarked for fan engagement and experiential activities aimed at growing the sport’s appeal.
Teams will also compete for substantial prize money across the men’s and women’s divisions. Winners in the men’s Division One category will earn KSh150,000 per leg, while women’s champions will pocket KSh100,000. Overall circuit champions will receive KSh300,000 and KSh200,000 respectively in the men’s and women’s categories.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch welcomed the increased investment, saying it would strengthen talent development pathways and enhance the competitiveness of the circuit.
“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. The increased investment this season gives us even greater confidence as we continue building sustainable pathways for both Shujaa and the Lionesses,” she said.
The circuit has become a vital talent pipeline for Kenya’s national rugby teams, with many players progressing from the competition to represent the country in the Shujaa, Kenya Lionesses and national 15s squads.
Action will kick off with the prestigious Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru on July 25-26 before moving to Dala 7s, Kabeberi 7s, Driftwood 7s, Embu 7s and concluding with Christie 7s in September.
Defending champions KCB Rugby enter the new season as favourites after a dominant 2025 campaign in which they amassed a record 126 points and claimed victory in four of the six tournaments.
However, the bankers are expected to face fierce competition from Strathmore Leos, who handed them defeats at both Prinsloo 7s and Embu 7s last season, as well as traditional rugby powerhouses Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.
With increased funding, enhanced fan experiences and a highly competitive field, the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit is expected to provide a major boost to Kenyan rugby while uncovering the next generation of stars destined for Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses.
