Corporate partners have stepped up their support for the 2026 Safari Sevens, with increased investment in the tournament, player welfare, talent development and fan engagement ahead of the three-day competition.

Speaking during the tournament launch in Nairobi on Monday, Richard Omwela, Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), said sustained corporate support was important in strengthening rugby and creating opportunities for players at different levels.

Omwela said the Safari Sevens will run from October 9 to 11 at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, with the competition bringing together national, invitational and franchise sides from Kenya and beyond.

“The tournament will feature Kenya’s defending men’s champions Shujaa, Kenya Morans, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Scotland and a number of international invitational sides, while the women’s competition will include defending champions Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda, Tunisia and other invitational teams,” said Omwela.

Safaricom announced a Sh2 million contribution towards the Safari Sevens, saying the company’s partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) was aimed at supporting the wider development of rugby.

Safaricom’s two-year partnership with KRU also supports the national Sevens teams, Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, through monthly player allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, airtime and financial literacy support.

Kevin Wambura, Safari Sevens Tournament Director, said the 28th edition of the tournament will feature 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams, providing a platform for local and international players to compete in Nairobi.

He said ticket sales had recorded strong uptake and urged more fans to attend the tournament.

Wambura said the women’s trophy would be named after Warren Abrahams, the Belgian women’s Sevens coach who died during the 2025 Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi.

The move will honour Abrahams’ contribution to rugby and his association with the Safari Sevens.

SportPesa also reaffirmed its commitment to Kenyan rugby, highlighting the company’s investment in the National Sevens Circuit as part of efforts to develop players who can progress to the national teams.

SportPesa has previously committed substantial support to Shujaa and the National Sevens Circuit, including funding for the domestic competition.

The company will also support the Safari Sevens through activities aimed at enhancing fan engagement during the tournament.

Crown Paints Kenya, which is partnering with KRU for the second time, said its involvement was part of its commitment to developing rugby and providing community-based players with opportunities to compete at a higher level.

The company said it would continue supporting pathways through which emerging players can progress towards the National Sevens Circuit.

The corporate backing comes as Kenya prepares to host the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens after Shujaa reclaimed the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship title in Mauritius, defeating Madagascar 15-12 in the final.

The victory gave Kenya its seventh continental men’s Sevens title and provided a boost to the national side ahead of the home tournament.

The Safari Sevens will therefore bring together Kenya’s national teams, local clubs, international sides, corporate partners and rugby fans as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a leading rugby Sevens destination in Africa.

By Samuel Njoroge and Emmanuel Mwendwa