Kenya Rugby stepped into 2025 with belief, bruises, and breakthrough moments that would later define the year. From historic women’s triumphs on foreign soil to domestic derby drama and national teams going over and above for the flag, the season unfolded as a statement of growth. The early months set the tempo for what would become a memorable rugby calendar.
January marked the return of international sevens action as Kenya Shujaa resumed the HSBC World Rugby Series in Perth. It was a sobering outing, with the men finishing tenth out of twelve in a tournament that exposed the fine margins at elite level. Still, Perth served as a necessary reality check, even as domestic action resumed with the Kenya Cup league and the Simbas quietly held their first alignment camp in Kakamega.
February belonged firmly to the Kenya Lionesses. The women’s side lit up the Challenger Series by storming through the opening two legs in South Africa, winning back to back titles and defeating the hosts twice in the finals. It was a thunderous declaration of intent, even as Shujaa endured a torrid Vancouver campaign that ended in a twelfth place finish and local fifteens rugby rolled on steadily at home.
March ushered in knockout tension as the Kenya Cup playoffs took centre stage. Nondescripts stunned Kenya Harlequins to book a semi final slot while Menengai Oilers brushed past Blak Blad, setting up high stakes clashes with league leaders Kabras and second placed KCB. Oilers went all the way to the final, igniting the first chapter of the now famous Rai derby, as MMUST and Daystar Falcons also sealed Kenya Cup promotion via the Championship finals. Abroad, Shujaa battled through a difficult Hong Kong Sevens, settling for ninth.
April arrived with relentless momentum and silverware galore. Kabras Sugar completed a famous Kenya Cup three peat after edging past Menengai Oilers in the finals, while Daystar Falcons overcame MMUST to lift the Championship title in Kakamega. Kabras doubled their dominance by defeating Oilers again in the Enterprise Cup final, though Oilers salvaged pride with the Eric Shirley Shield earlier in the month as Kisii RFC stunned NYS to win the Nationwide title.
As the domestic dust settled, Kenyan flags flew high overseas. Chipu finished second at the Barthes Cup in Zimbabwe, the Lionesses claimed overall Challenger Series glory in Poland to book a ticket to Los Angeles, and Shujaa produced a stirring run to the Singapore Sevens final. Their silver medal finish against Fiji not only restored belief but also sealed qualification to the LA playoffs despite a mixed series campaign.
May and June blended preparation with promise. In Los Angeles, both Shujaa and the Lionesses rose to the occasion, navigating fierce qualifiers to secure promotion to the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 in emphatic fashion. Back home, the Kenya Simbas outclassed the UAE at the RFUEA grounds before heading south for a three week intensive camp in South Africa, laying vital groundwork for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers awaiting in July.
July carried continental significance as the Kenya Simbas took part in the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, a crucial pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The campaign opened brightly with a rousing 32–24 win over hosts Uganda before heartbreak followed in the semi finals, where a narrow 29–23 defeat to Zimbabwe halted their progress. Another loss to Algeria saw the Simbas finish fourth overall. Back home, attention also turned to the future with Under 18 and Under 16 regional trials held nationwide, while the 2025 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit burst into life in Mombasa, KCB upsetting Strathmore Leos at the Driftwood Sevens a rivalry that would go on for the better part of the circuit.
August saw the National Sevens Circuit hit full throttle as intensity soared across back to back legs. The Prinsloo Sevens delivered early drama with Strathmore Leos exacting revenge on KCB in the final, while Mwamba Ladies impressed by lifting the women’s title ahead of Kenya Harlequins Queens. The caravan then rolled back to Nairobi for the 59th edition of the Christie Sevens, where KCB claimed their second crown after defeating surprise finalists Menengai Oilers, with Mwamba Ladies once more finishing on top. The month closed in Embu, as the invitational leg crowned a resurgent Strathmore Leos, whose commanding win over KCB secured their second title of the season.
After a brief pause, the National Sevens Circuit roared back to life in Nairobi with the George Mwangi Memorial Kabeberi Sevens. KCB continued their dominant run by clinching a third title after seeing off surprise finalists Daystar Falcons, while Mwamba Ladies sealed the women’s crown with a narrow win over Impala Ladies to secure the overall circuit title. The season’s curtain call came in Kisumu at the Dala Sevens, where KCB edged past arch rivals Kabras to lift both the leg and the overall 2025 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit crown. Beyond the pitch, anticipation grew with early build up to the Safari Sevens and confirmation of Kenya as hosts of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup.
October marked the grand finale of the sevens calendar with the 27th edition of the Safari Sevens, Africa’s premier rugby sevens showcase. The tournament pulled in over 14 international teams, with Kenya Lionesses, Shujaa, Cubs, Morans, KCB and Apache carrying the home banner. History was made as the women’s competition expanded to eight teams for the first time, moving beyond its exhibition roots. On home soil, both the Lionesses and Shujaa successfully defended their titles, while the Morans impressed with a strong third place finish, before focus shifted to preparations for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and the looming fifteens season.
November brought the continental spotlight to Nairobi as Kenya hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup for the first time since 2014. Held at the RFUEA Grounds on November 15th and 16th, the tournament featured twelve teams across three pools, with the Kenya Lionesses powering into the final before falling to South Africa after a spirited showing. Elsewhere, the Kenya Morans impressed on foreign soil by lifting the Zambezi Sevens Cup in Zimbabwe, with Rayvon Ambale crowned Player of the Tournament. The month also ushered in the fifteens season, with the Kenya Cup, Championship and Nationwide leagues kicking off on November 22nd.
December eased the season into its final stretch as the fifteens calendar gathered momentum with the launch of the Mwamba Cup and the Enterprise Cup on December 13th. The Enterprise Cup added a regional flavour once again, with teams from Uganda set to join the competition from the second quarter final stage following the in country knockout rounds.
A notable mention also is 2025 was a breakthrough year for women in Kenyan rugby. Harriet Okach became the first female Kenya Rugby Union chairperson, and Joyce Odhiambo the first female citing commissioner. On the field, the Kenya Lionesses won back-to-back Challenger Series legs and the overall crown. Elsie Kibue Ngare captured stunning images at the Rugby Women’s World Cup, while Grace Odhiambo earned a nomination to the National Olympics Committee, highlighting the growing influence of women across the sport.
As 2025 draws to a close, Kenya Rugby reflects on a year full of triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From national teams shining abroad to domestic leagues thrilling fans, the journey has been made possible by passionate players, committed officials, loyal sponsors, and, above all, the incredible rugby fraternity and supporters who cheer every try and tackle. We thank you all for being part of this journey, wish everyone happy holidays, and look forward to an even bigger and better 2026.CHEERS!!!!
