Boost as National Sevens Circuit receives KSh34 million sponsorship head of new season

The sponsorship package, which is more than double the previous investment of KSh16.5 million, is expected to strengthen the National Sevens Circuit's role as the country's leading rugby development platform and a key pathway for players aspiring to represent the national teams.

The six-leg competition will run from July 25 to September 13, bringing together the country's top men's and women's rugby clubs in a battle for honours and national recognition.

Over the years, the circuit has produced players who have gone on to represent Kenya through Shujaa, the Kenya Lionesses and the national 15s teams.

Of the total sponsorship package, KSh16.14 million will be channelled directly into the competitive structure of the game, supporting host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union operations and prize money across all six tournaments.

The remaining funds will be invested in enhancing fan engagement through improved broadcast production, livestreaming and match-day experiences.

Under the sponsorship arrangement, KSh6 million has been allocated to host clubs, with each host club receiving KSh1 million to facilitate tournament preparations and operations. Another KSh6 million will support Kenya Rugby Union Secretariat activities, including tournament administration and organization.

To improve coverage and accessibility of the competition, KSh9 million has been earmarked for content production and live streaming, while KSh2 million has been set aside for circuit fan merchandise.

A further KSh9 million will fund fan engagement and experiential activities aimed at enhancing the match-day atmosphere throughout the circuit.

The prize money structure has also been retained to reward performance across all categories.

In Division One men's competition, winners of each leg will receive KSh150,000, runners-up KSh75,000, and third-placed teams KSh40,000.

In the Division One women's category, winners will pocket KSh100,000, runners-up KSh50,000, and third-placed teams KSh25,000.

Division Two men's winners will earn KSh70,000, while runners-up will receive KSh30,000.

Teams competing for overall circuit honours will also battle for additional rewards.

The overall men's champions will receive KSh300,000, with runners-up taking home KSh150,000 and third place KSh100,000.

In the women's category, the overall circuit winners will earn KSh200,000, while runners-up and third-placed teams will receive KSh100,000 and KSh50,000 respectively.

Defending champions KCB Rugby will begin the season as favourites after a dominant 2025 campaign that saw them collect a record 126 points and win four of the six tournaments.

However, they are expected to face stiff competition from Strathmore Leos, who denied them victory at both Prinsloo 7s and Embu 7s last season, as well as traditional powerhouses Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.

The circuit kicks off with Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru on July 25-26 before moving to Kisumu for Dala 7s on August 1-2. The action then heads to Nairobi for Kabeberi 7s on August 15-16, followed by Driftwood 7s in Mombasa on August 22-23.

The fifth leg, Embu 7s, will be staged on September 5-6, before the season concludes with Christie 7s in Nairobi on September 12-13, where the overall circuit champions will be crowned.