The 2026 National Sevens Circuit has received a major financial boost after SportPesa committed a record Sh34.14 million sponsorship package, underscoring its confidence in Kenyan rugby.
The gaming firm said the financial support reaffirms its long-term commitment to strengthening Kenya’s rugby ecosystem and developing the next generation of talent for the national teams.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement in Nairobi, SportPesa Public Relations and Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang said the circuit remains 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. That is the proof of concept and we welcome other like-minded partners to join us in supporting this platform,” said Ojwang.
The sponsorship, up from Sh16.5 million last year, marks the fourth consecutive year that SportPesa has served as the title sponsor of the National Sevens Circuit, widely regarded as Kenya’s premier club rugby development competition and a key pathway to the national teams.
The competition has grown into the premier development platform for Kenyan club rugby and a key in nurturing future national team players.
“The enhanced investment, more than double the previous sponsorship kitty of Sh 16.5 million, marks the fourth consecutive year that SportPesa has held title sponsorship of the circuit, which has become the principal development competition in Kenyan club rugby,” said Ojwang.
Of the total sponsorship package, Sh16.14 million will be directed towards competition operations, including support for host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) activities and prize money across all six legs.
According to the planning, the remaining funds will be invested in fan engagement initiatives, content production, live streaming and enhancing the match-day experience.
The six-leg circuit will run from July 25 to September 13, traversing various parts of the country, bringing together Kenya’s finest rugby talent alongside its passionate fan bases.
“Six-leg 2026 circuit is set to kick off in Nakuru as defending champions KCB prepare to fend off challengers in a season expected to unearth future Shujaa and Lionesses stars,” he said.
Under the sponsorship arrangement, 6 million will be distributed to the host clubs, with each host club receiving Sh. 1 million, while Sh6 million has been allocated to the Kenya Rugby Union Secretariat to support tournament organisation and administration.
On the other hand, Sh9 million will go towards content production and live streaming, Sh2 million towards fan merchandise and Sh9 million towards fan engagement and experiential activities.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch welcomed the increased investment, saying it would strengthen the circuit’s role as a talent development platform.
“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,” said Okatch.
The road to the season finale at Christie 7s begins in Nakuru on July 25-26 with the iconic Prinsloo 7s.
Defending overall champions KCB Rugby will begin their quest for a sixth circuit crown after a dominant 2025 campaign that saw them amass a record 126 points and win four of the six legs.
However, they are expected to face stiff competition from a resurgent chasing pack led by Strathmore Leos, who denied KCB victory at both Prinsloo 7s and Embu 7s last season, alongside traditional powerhouses Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.
By Ian Chepkuto
