The evolution of Kenya’s rugby as well-oiled varsity sides rule at the expense of communal clubs

There is an evolution in rugby in the country’s top-tier league Kenya Cup with the institutional clubs slowly taking over from community outfits who have been hit by financial turmoil.

This follows the relegation of Impala Saracens, a club with the most Kenya Cup appearances, from the top division, alongside experienced side Nondescripts, with varsity sides Catholic Monks and Mean Machine being promoted to the top tier.

The oldest club in the Kenya Cup, Kenya Harlequins, finished slightly ahead of Impala with club quarters pointing fingers to lack of finances to cater for the club expenses – players’ salaries and allowances - for their misfortunes.

On the contrary, a casual look at the ended league show that teams with better financial flow or muscle, either through shirt sponsorship deals or corporate clubs produced better performances.  Kabras Sugar and Menengai Oilers (sponsored by the Rai brothers) reached the playoffs finals while Kabras won their second Kenya Cup trophy since their formation in 2014.

KCB RFC who have won Kenya Cup trophies four times in the last five years finished third last season and have shown consistency in the last decade thanks to their sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank.

Catholic Monks and Mean Machine (Nairobi University) now joins Strathmore Leos, Blak Blad (Kenyatta University) and Masinde Muliro University (MMUST) in the top division, making Kenya Cup to have five varsity teams in its rank, the first time ever!

This comes even as several institutional-based clubs such as Daystar and Zetech universities join the second tier league, the Championship, pointing to the role financial stability is playing in catapulting rugby clubs to the top level.

Strathmore Leos head coach Louis Kisia attributes this to the university's investment in the sports unlike community clubs who rely on the goodwill of sponsors.

“It’s all about investments. As you know university-based clubs depend on the money given by the university unlike community clubs who have to look for sponsors or look up for well wishers from their fans,” explained Kisia.

“Look, clubs like Kabras, KCB RFC and Menengai Oilers  have big sponsors and that’s why you see them get good results while other experienced clubs without sponsorships are struggling to honour matches and pay players ,” added Kisia.

According to Kisia, varsity teams have invested in equipping coaches through capacity training hence expertise – having individuals who understand the game – a contributor to the good results.

And this dominance by varsity sides trickles down even to the regional level where for instance, in Mombasa,  Mombasa RFC, Kisumu RFC in Kisumu, Western Bulls(Kakamega) and Kisii RFC dominated the league but have slowly faded away due lack of the much needed financial safeguard.