The 2025 edition of the Safari Sevens will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium from October 10 to 12, ending a three-year run in Machakos. The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) said the move was driven by accessibility, capacity, and a desire to bring the tournament closer to its Nairobi fanbase.
This year’s edition has drawn a healthy mix of local and international teams. Kenya will field both Shujaa and Morans, while other confirmed men’s sides include Zimbabwe, Zambia, French Renegades, UK Select, Reunion 7s, and Walukuba Barbarians from Uganda.
In the women’s competition, the Kenya Lionesses will take on Belgium, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Costa Blanca Barbarians from Spain — the defending champions from last year’s edition.
The Safari Sevens comes just weeks before the start of the World Rugby Sevens Series, giving the national team a platform to test new players and fine-tune combinations.
Head coach Kevin Wambua says this year’s tournament will be about performance and preparation. “It gives us a chance to see where we stand against strong opposition and to integrate the next generation of players,” he said.
The Morans squad includes several call-ups from the local circuit — a move that underlines the tournament’s role in talent development.
On the women’s side, captain Janet Okello said the Lionesses are focused on a solid home performance. “Playing at home gives us energy. We’re up against some tough teams, but that’s exactly what we need before Olympic qualifiers.”
Since its debut in 1996, Safari Sevens has become a staple of Kenyan rugby culture and one of Africa’s most respected sevens events.
Over the years, it has hosted top sides like Samoa, England, South Africa, Portugal, and the British Army 7s — along with invitational sides such as Samurai International and Apache 7s.
It’s also where some of Kenya’s best players first made their mark. From Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange to Oscar Ouma and Dennis Ombachi, the Safari Sevens has always served as a launchpad for local talent before they moved to the global stage.
The 2025 edition has attracted sponsorship support from Tusker, SportPesa, and KCB Bank, who have collectively invested over KSh 22 million to support logistics, team accommodation, and prize money.
KRU events manager Sylvia Kamau says the union wants to make the event more inclusive and vibrant.
“It’s not just about rugby,” she said. “We’re curating a full fan experience — food courts, music, family zones, and partner activations. We want everyone to feel part of it.”
The KRU says the tournament remains a vital part of its development strategy. Beyond the competition, it offers exposure to local players and a testing ground for coaches and officials.
The three-day festival will blend top-tier rugby with live entertainment.