By David Ndolo
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 13, 2026 – Curtains came down on the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit at the Christie Sevens in Nairobi, with KCB Rugby retaining the overall title, as Menengai Oilers overwhelmed Strathmore Leos in the final to lift the Christie Sevens title.
The Bankers were confirmed champions after both they and closest rivals Kabras Sugar fell in the semifinals, bringing the season-long title race to an end before the final whistle at the RFUEA Grounds, the home of Kenya Harlequins.
Oilers won their first title of the season with a dominant 24-12 victory against Leos, substitute Chrispine Shitundo added two tries to Glacious Owino’s opener to secure victory.
But the day belonged to KCB who added a final flourish to their successful title defence with a 5-0 sudden-death win over Kabras Sugar, secured through a George Ooro try.
The two heavyweights had been the leading contenders for the overall crown throughout the six-leg campaign, but neither would feature in the Christie Sevens final.
Semifinals Shocker
Strathmore Leos stunned KCB 19-12 through a last-minute penalty try, ending KCB’s hopes of closing their historic title-winning season with another leg victory.
Menengai Oilers meanwhile made light work of an injury-ravaged Kabras Sugar 20-10 to book their place in an unexpected final pairing against the Leos.
The result marked a departure from the previous five legs, whose finals had featured either KCB or Kabras Sugar, setting the stage for a new champion at Christie as the 2026 circuit reached its conclusion.
The two results guaranteed KCB the overall circuit championship, with the Bankers’ lead over Kabras Sugar proving sufficient to secure their third successive title.
The unexpected Leos versus Oilers final provided a fitting conclusion to a campaign in which KCB once again demonstrated the consistency required to dominate the national sevens calendar.
SportPesa reaffirms commitment to Kenyan rugby
The conclusion of the 2026 circuit marks another season of sustained investment by SportPesa in the growth and development of rugby and sports I n Kenya.
The firm’s Ksh34.14 million investment in the National Sevens Circuit supported the competition’s continued expansion, strengthening the platform for clubs and players to compete across the country while bringing top-level rugby closer to fans.
Commenting on the conclusion of the season, SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri said:
“The 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit has once again demonstrated the quality, competitiveness and passion that define Kenyan rugby. From the opening leg to the Christie Sevens finale, we have witnessed outstanding performances, fierce rivalries and a level of competition that continues to raise the bar for the sport.
“We congratulate everyone who made this season such a great such success, more so teams in the Division 2 and women’s teams who featured in this circuit for the first time.
We also commend all the participating clubs, players, coaches and fans who have contributed to another successful campaign.
“The success of this year reinforces our belief in the potential of Kenyan sport, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the seasons ahead.”
The 2026 circuit opened with the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru before moving to Kisumu for the Dala Sevens, Nairobi for the Kabeberi Sevens, Mombasa for the Driftwood Sevens and Embu for the penultimate leg. The Christie Sevens brought the season to a close in Nairobi.
Overall circuit prize money – men:
Champions (KCB): Ksh300,000
Runners-up (Kabras Sugar): Ksh150,000
Third place (Menengai Oilers): Ksh100,000
Overall circuit prize money – women:
Champions (Mwamba): Ksh200,000
Runners-up (Quins Queens): 100,000
3rd Place (Kiambaa Ladies): 50,000
