Local rugby fans and clubs have every reason to smile after gaming giant SportPesa officially doubled its investment in the National Sevens Circuit ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 season kickoff.
SportPesa has unveiled a massive Ksh 34.14 million sponsorship package—a significant jump from the previous Ksh 16.5 million kitty. The six-leg tournament will roar to life on July 25, 2026, in Nakuru with the iconic Prinsloo 7s, running all the way through to September 13.
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The Sponsorship Breakdown: Where is the Money Going?
Out of the total Ksh 34.14 million package, Ksh 16.14 million will directly fund the competitive infrastructure of the game.
This includes direct financial support for host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) operations, and tournament prize money. The remaining balance will go into making the tournament a visual spectacle for fans through high-quality broadcasting, livestreams, and exciting matchday experiences.
Host clubs will each receive Ksh 6 million with each receiving Ksh 1 million to organize their leg)
Another Ksh 6 million will be dedicated to tournament organisation and administration. Moreover, content Production and live Streaming will be granted ksh 9 million.
Fan Engagement and experiential activities will be allocated Ksh 9 million, while circuit fan merchandise will be injected with Ksh 2 million.
SportPesa 7s: What’s on the Line?
The stakes have never been higher for local clubs, with separate cash rewards up for grabs both at individual legs and for overall season consistency.
For every single weekend leg, the top-performing teams will walk away with the following cash prizes.
Division 1 – Men:
- Winners: Ksh 150,000
- 1st Runners-up: Ksh 75,000
- 2nd Runners-up: Ksh 40,000
Division 1 – Women:
- Winners: Ksh 100,000
- 1st Runners-up: Ksh 50,000
- 2nd Runners-up: Ksh 25,000
Division 2 – Men:
- Winners: Ksh 70,000
- 1st Runners-up: Ksh 30,000
Overall Circuit Winners Jackpot
The ultimate reward awaits the most consistent teams across all six legs when the curtains fall in September:
Overall Men’s Circuit Champions:
- Winners: Ksh 300,000
- 1st Runners-up: Ksh 150,000
- 2nd Runners-up: Ksh 100,000
Overall Women’s Circuit Champions:
- Winners: Ksh 200,000
- 1st Runners-up: Ksh 100,000
- 2nd Runners-up: Ksh 50,000
Full 2026 SportPesa7s Circuit Schedule
Mark your calendars! The six-week rugby fiesta will traverse the country as follows:
- Prinsloo 7s (Nakuru): July 25–26
- Dala 7s (Kisumu): August 1–2
- Kabeberi 7s (Nairobi): August 15–16
- Driftwood 7s (Mombasa): August 22–23
- Embu 7s (Embu): September 5–6
- Christie 7s (Nairobi): September 12–13
The Battle on the Pitch and National Team Pathway
Defending overall champions KCB Rugby will enter the circuit with massive targets on their backs. After a dominant 2025 campaign that saw them amass a record 126 points and win four out of six legs, the bankers are eyeing a sixth circuit crown.
However, they face a fierce chasing pack led by Strathmore Leos—who denied KCB victory at both Prinsloo and Embu last year—alongside traditional powerhouses Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, and Kenya Harlequin.
Crucially, the circuit continues to serve as the ultimate breeding ground for international rugby talent.
“The National Sevens Circuit is the heartbeat of Kenyan rugby and the foundation upon which future national stars are built,” said Willis Ojwang, SportPesa Public Relations & Advertising Manager.
“We have watched this competition produce players who went on to become Africa 7s champions, represent Kenya at the Olympic Games, and elevate our standing on the global stage.”
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship goes beyond just funding tournaments.
“Year after year, our partnership with SportPesa has given clubs the resources to organize this circuit, given players a stage to perform, and given our national selectors a bottomless talent pool to draw from.
“The increased investment this season gives us even greater confidence as we continue building sustainable pathways for both Shujaa and the Lionesses,” she concluded.
