NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, has unveiled a Sh40 million sponsorship for the HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi, a major boost for Kenyan rugby as the country prepares to host a World Rugby Sevens international event for the first time.
The tournament will be held on February 14 and 15 at Nyayo Stadium, marking a historic milestone that will see Kenya become only the second African nation after South Africa to host a World Rugby Sevens event.
Adding to its significance, Nairobi will also stage the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series, firmly positioning Kenya on the global rugby calendar.
Breaking Down the Sh40 Million Tusker Investment
Under the sponsorship deal, Tusker has committed Sh20 million in direct cash support to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to facilitate tournament delivery and operations.
An additional Sh12 million has been earmarked for experiential and fan engagement activities, aimed at enhancing the matchday atmosphere, while a further Sh8 million will go towards publicity and marketing support.
Speaking during the official sponsorship announcement at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, KBL Head of Mainstream Beer Christine Kariuki said the partnership reflects Tusker’s long-standing commitment to uniting Kenyans through sport.
“Rugby has a unique way of bringing Kenyans together across generations, communities, and borders. Hosting the HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi is a celebration of how far the game has come. At Tusker, we believe in bringing people together so we can each stand tall, and we are proud to support this historic tournament,” Kariuki said.
The HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi will feature elite international competition across both the men’s and women’s divisions, with Kenya’s national teams — Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses — competing on home soil against top global opponents.
The tournament forms part of World Rugby’s newly introduced three-tier global Sevens structure, designed to create clearer progression pathways to the top tier of international rugby while ensuring full gender parity at every event.
For Tusker, the partnership goes beyond brand visibility, focusing on delivering a world-class fan experience while supporting the long-term growth of rugby in Kenya.
“Our support is about creating an unforgettable experience for both players and fans. From matchday operations to fan engagement, we want Kenyans to feel proud of what we can deliver when the world comes to our home,” Kariuki added.
KRU Welcomes Long-Standing Corporate Support
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch welcomed the sponsorship, noting that strong corporate partnerships are critical to successfully hosting an international event of this scale.
“Tusker has been a consistent supporter of Kenyan rugby over the years, and this partnership continues to grow. We are delighted to have them on board for the HSBC SVNS 2 and look forward to working together to elevate the fan experience both on and off the pitch,” Okatch said.
