The 2026 National Sevens Circuit will feature an expanded age-grade programme with Under-18 and Under-16 competitions for both boys and girls running alongside every leg of the circuit. The initiative forms part of the Development of the National Sports System (DNSS) programme, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through the National Olympic Committee.
Ahead of each tournament, participating teams will hold training sessions on Thursdays before competing in the age-grade fixtures on Fridays. The programme is designed to identify and develop talent from the seven regions, with the best regional teams earning the opportunity to compete in the Safari 7s Junior competition. Outstanding players will then be selected into a national team to represent Kenya at the Junior Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for 31 October to 13 November.
Beyond player identification and development, the DNSS programme is focused on strengthening Kenya's entire rugby ecosystem through education and capacity building. By the end of the programme, it aims to train 52 coaches, 16 PE teachers, 32 match officials, 32 administrators, and 16 educators, creating a sustainable pathway for the continued growth of rugby across the country.
