The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has stepped into the global spotlight with an audacious move: tabling a formal bid to host a leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
At the center of this campaign is the newly refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the venue earmarked for hosting duties should the bid succeed.
World Rugby recently unveiled a restructured sevens format, which from 2026 will feature three competitive divisions.
Kenya’s men’s team, Shujaa, and the women’s side, the Lionesses, will both be competing in Division 2.
Hosting a leg of this second-tier competition would not only give local fans a chance to rally behind their teams on home soil but also reinforce Kenya’s status as one of Africa’s rugby powerhouses.
Kenya has already demonstrated its ability to stage world-class rugby events. In 2023, the country successfully hosted the World Rugby U20 Trophy at Nyayo Stadium, drawing praise for its organization and fan engagement.
Building on that momentum, KRU believes the infrastructure, fan culture, and passion for sevens rugby provide the perfect foundation for hosting a global series.
Rugby sevens has long been one of Kenya’s greatest exports, thanks to Shujaa’s memorable runs on the international circuit, including a historic cup win at the Singapore Sevens in 2016.
By bringing the series to Nairobi, KRU hopes to deepen rugby’s domestic footprint, inspire the next generation of players, and create economic spinoffs that stretch far beyond the field.
Kenya’s bid also draws strength from its unique rugby culture. The Safari Sevens, once one of Africa’s premier rugby tournaments, has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s sevens identity.
Although the event has struggled in recent years, KRU has committed to reviving it as a key pillar of its long-term vision.
A successful Safari Sevens revival would serve as proof that Kenya can host high-caliber events consistently and attract global interest.
While the bid to host a Division 2 series leg is the immediate target, KRU has set its sights even higher.
Chairman Sasha Mutai has made it clear that the ultimate ambition is to one day host a leg of the elite HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The success of such a bid will hinge on key developments, particularly the completion of Talanta Sports City, a state-of-the-art sporting complex under construction in Nairobi.
Kenya’s bid, however, does not come without hurdles. Competition for hosting rights is fierce, with countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas eager to secure slots in the new-look series.
Beyond infrastructure, World Rugby will evaluate aspects such as financial backing, logistical planning, and commercial partnerships.
To succeed, the bid will need a united front, with both state and corporate actors aligned in vision.
Should the bid succeed, Nairobi could soon find itself in the company of global cities like Cape Town, Sydney, and Vancouver as a stop on the international sevens circuit.