SportPesa has announced a record KES 34.14 million sponsorship package for the 2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit, marking a major boost for Kenyan rugby and reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing the sport’s talent pipeline.
The investment, more than double the previous KES 16.5 million package, represents the fourth consecutive year SportPesa has served as title sponsor of the circuit, which has become the country’s premier club rugby development competition.
Of the total package, KES 16.14 million will go directly into competitive structures supporting host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) operations, and prize money across the six-leg series. The remaining allocation will focus on enhancing fan engagement through improved broadcast production, livestreaming, and matchday experiences.
The 2026 circuit will run from 25 July to 13 September, taking the competition across the country and showcasing Kenya’s top rugby talent alongside passionate regional fan bases.
SportPesa Public Relations & Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang said the circuit has become a proven pathway to international rugby success.
“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.”
Funding Allocation Breakdown
- KES 6 million to host clubs (KES 1 million per host club)
- KES 6 million to the KRU Secretariat for tournament operations
- KES 9 million for content production and live streaming
- KES 2 million for fan merchandise
- KES 9 million for fan engagement and experiential activities
Prize Money Structure
The circuit will feature incentives across men’s and women’s divisions:
Division 1 – Men
- Winners: KES 150,000
- Runners-up: KES 75,000
- 2nd runners-up: KES 40,000
Division 1 – Women
- Winners: KES 100,000
- Runners-up: KES 50,000
- 2nd runners-up: KES 25,000
Division 2 – Men
- Winners: KES 70,000
- Runners-up: KES 30,000
Overall Circuit Champions
Men
- Winners: KES 300,000
- Runners-up: KES 150,000
- 2nd runners-up: KES 100,000
Women
- Winners: KES 200,000
- Runners-up: KES 100,000
- 2nd runners-up: KES 50,000
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch said the partnership continues to strengthen the sport’s development pipeline.
“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.”
The season will kick off with the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru on 25–26 July, before moving through Dala, Kabeberi, Driftwood, Embu, and culminating in the Christie 7s on 12–13 September.
Defending champions KCB Rugby will begin their title defence after a dominant 2025 campaign, though they are expected to face strong competition from Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, and Kenya Harlequin.
2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit Calendar
- Prinsloo 7s – 25–26 July
- Dala 7s – 1–2 August
- Kabeberi 7s – 15–16 August
- Driftwood 7s – 22–23 August
- Embu 7s – 5–6 September
- Christie 7s – 12–13 September
