Kenya’s place on the global rugby sevens calendar has received a timely and powerful lift after Kenya Breweries Limited through its flagship brand Tusker committed KSh 40 million towards the inaugural leg of the 2026 HSBC SVNS2 tournament. The investment comes just weeks before the highly anticipated competition set for February 14th and 15th at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, a venue poised to host the world on home soil.
The sponsorship has been structured to ensure smooth delivery of the tournament, with KSh 20 million directed towards operational and logistical support for the union. A further KSh 12 million has been reserved for experiential initiatives, while KSh 8 million will drive publicity efforts to amplify the tournament’s reach locally and beyond Kenyan borders. For a competition making its debut in Nairobi, the backing offers both stability and ambition in equal measure.
The two day event will bring together twelve teams, split evenly between the men’s and women’s competitions. Kenya’s own Shujaa and the Lionesses will carry national hopes as they line up against international opposition in what also marks the start of their journey to the HSBC World Rugby Series. Playing at home, before familiar faces and fervent supporters, adds a layer of expectation and inspiration that could prove decisive.
Speaking at the launch held at the EABL headquarters, Tusker’s Head of Mainstream Beer Christine Kariuki spoke passionately about the deeper meaning of the partnership. She noted that rugby has long held a special place in uniting Kenyans across generations and communities, adding that hosting the HSBC SVNS2 in Nairobi is a celebration of how far the game has come. Kariuki further explained that Tusker believes in moments that bring people together and allow them to stand tall, describing the tournament as one such historic occasion the brand is proud to support.
Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach echoed those sentiments while expressing gratitude to KBL for its continued faith in the sport. She noted that Tusker has walked with Kenyan rugby for many years, a partnership she said has only grown stronger with time. Okach remarked that having Tusker on board for the HSBC SVNS2 was significant not just for the event itself but for the overall fan experience, both on and off the pitch, adding that the union was confident of delivering a successful and memorable tournament.
With corporate backing secured, elite teams confirmed, and national pride at stake, the stage is now firmly set for Nairobi to host a sevens spectacle that promises to be one for the books.Fans can buy tickets for the event on the link below:
