The 2026 National Sevens Circuit has received a major boost after SportPesa unveiled a KSh 34.14 million sponsorship package, reaffirming its commitment to the growth and development of rugby in Kenya.
The investment, which is double the amount committed to last year’s circuit, highlights SportPesa’s continued confidence in Kenyan rugby and its role in supporting the country’s premier sevens competition.
The sponsorship announcement comes just weeks before the start of the 25th edition of the National Sevens Circuit, which kicks off on 25th and 26th July with the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru. The six-leg series will then travel to Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Embu before culminating with the Christie 7s in Nairobi in September.
Speaking during the sponsorship launch, SportPesa Head of Marketing Willis Ojwang described the partnership as more than just a sponsorship, emphasizing the four-year journey between SportPesa and Kenyan rugby.
“This is not just about sponsorships; it is about partnerships and growing the sport together,” Ojwang stated.
From the total sponsorship amount, KSh 6 million will go towards supporting host clubs, another KSh 6 million will be allocated to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), while KSh 9 million will cater for media coverage, marketing, and livestreaming.
A further KSh 4.14 million has been set aside for prize money, marking a significant increase from last year’s KSh 1 million prize pool.
For each Division One leg, the prize money will see the top men’s teams earn KSh 150,000 for first place, KSh 75,000 for second place, and KSh 40,000 for third place. In the women’s category, the winners will receive KSh 100,000, runners-up KSh 50,000, and third-place finishers KSh 25,000.
Division Two winners will also be rewarded, with the top team receiving KSh 70,000 and the second-placed team taking home KSh 30,000.
The overall circuit champions will also receive increased rewards, with the men’s winners earning KSh 300,000, second place KSh 150,000, and third place KSh 100,000. In the women’s category, the champions will receive KSh 200,000, runners-up KSh 100,000, and third place KSh 50,000.
Beyond competition rewards, SportPesa has allocated KSh 2 million towards circuit merchandise, while fan experience, experiential zones, data, and analytics initiatives will receive additional investment aimed at enhancing the overall tournament atmosphere.
The sponsorship will also improve the visibility of the circuit through enhanced production, digital coverage, and livestreaming, ensuring fans across the country can follow the action.
Following the opening round in Nakuru, teams will head to Kisumu for the Dala 7s on 1st and 2nd August. The circuit will then return to Nairobi for the Kabeberi 7s on 15th and 16th August before moving to Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s on 22nd and 23rd August.
The penultimate round will take place in Embu on 5th and 6th September before the season finale at the Christie 7s in Nairobi on 12th and 13th September, a special edition that will mark the tournament’s 60th anniversary.
