Leading gaming firm SportPesa has announced a record KES 34.14 million sponsorship package for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, more than doubling its previous investment and reaffirming its commitment to developing rugby talent in Kenya.
The enhanced sponsorship marks the fourth consecutive year that SportPesa has served as the title sponsor of the National Sevens Circuit, widely regarded as the country’s premier rugby development competition and a key pathway to the national teams.
Of the total sponsorship, KES 16.14 million will be directed towards supporting the competitive structure of the circuit, including host clubs, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) operations and prize money across the six tournaments. The remaining funds will be invested in fan engagement initiatives, live streaming, broadcast production and improving the overall matchday experience.
The six-leg circuit will run from July 25 to September 13, 2026, bringing together the country’s top rugby clubs and emerging talent in a competition that has consistently produced players for Kenya’s national rugby teams.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, SportPesa Public Relations and Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang said the tournament remains a critical platform for nurturing future rugby stars.
“The National Sevens Circuit is the heartbeat of Kenyan rugby and the foundation upon which future national stars are built. We have watched this competition produce players who went on to become Africa Sevens champions, represent Kenya at the Olympic Games and elevate our standing on the global stage. That is the proof of concept and we welcome other like-minded partners to join us in supporting this platform,” said Ojwang.
Under the sponsorship package, KES 6 million will be distributed among the six host clubs, with each club receiving KES 1 million. Another KES 6 million will go to the Kenya Rugby Union Secretariat to support tournament organization and administration. SportPesa has also allocated KES 9 million for content production and live streaming, KES 2 million for fan merchandise, and KES 9 million for fan engagement and experiential activities.
The circuit will also offer substantial prize money. Division One men’s champions will receive KES 150,000, while the women’s winners will earn KES 100,000. Division Two men’s champions will take home KES 70,000. Overall circuit champions will receive additional rewards, with the men’s winners earning KES 300,000 and the women’s winners receiving KES 200,000.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch welcomed the increased sponsorship, noting that the circuit continues to serve as a vital talent pipeline for national teams including Shujaa, the Kenya Lionesses and the national 15s sides.
“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 said.
2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit Schedule
- Prinsloo 7s — July 25–26
- Dala 7s — August 1–2
- Kabeberi 7s — August 15–16
- Driftwood 7s — August 22–23
- Embu 7s — September 5–6
- Christie 7s — September 12–13
Defending champions KCB Rugby will begin their quest for a sixth National Sevens Circuit title after a dominant 2025 campaign in which they amassed a record 126 points and won four of the six tournaments.
However, KCB is expected to face strong competition from Strathmore Leos, who defeated them at both the Prinsloo 7s and Embu 7s last season, as well as fellow contenders Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.
The National Sevens Circuit has increasingly established itself as a key feeder system for Kenya’s national rugby teams, with many players using the competition as a springboard to represent the country at regional and international levels. With increased funding and growing fan engagement, the 2026 season is expected to further strengthen the development of future stars for Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses.
