Rugby in Kenya is on the rise, with a wave of enthusiasm fueled by grassroots programs, corporate sponsorships, and dedicated initiatives that are bringing the sport to new audiences. The partnership between SportPesa Kenya and DBA Africa known as the Tujiamini initiative has been instrumental in accelerating this growth. With SportPesa recent announcement to support the Kenya Shujaa 7s for the HSBC sevens circuit to Tujiamini recognizing regional clubs across Kenya, SportPesa are championing the development of rugby in Kenya.
SportPesa has a long-standing history of supporting Kenyan sports, recently extending its sponsorship to the Kenya Shujaas 7s team and reaffirming thier commitment to rugby. This support highlights SportPesa’s dedication to supporting talent across all sports, not just football. On the other hand, DBA Africa, led by co-founder and former Kenya national Rugby player Lyle Asiligwa, has deep roots in rugby development. Their rugby academy, run by ex-Kenya 7s stars Andrew Amonde and Philip Wamae, is a hub for nurturing future talent.
Through the Tujiamini initiative, the collaboration between these organizations has brought tangible benefits to grassroots rugby clubs. Teams like Project 61 in the North Rift and Shaberere Ladies—the women's counterpart to Kabras RFC, the Kenya Cup champions—have received The Tujiamini Silver Award equating to 100,000KSh of goods and support for their development in the sport. Similar accolades have gone to rugby clubs in the Eastern and Coast regions, creating excitement and encouraging participation across the country.
Kenya’s rugby journey has seen significant milestones in recent years. One of the highlights is winning the Elgon Cup, a fiercely contested annual fixture against Uganda that continues to showcase regional rugby rivalry. Kenyan teams have also had brief but impactful stints in South Africa’s Mwanzi Challenge Cup, gaining valuable exposure against top-tier competition.
On the continental stage, Kenya recently finished third in the Africa Rugby Cup, a tournament that doubles as a qualifier for the Rugby World Cup. This accomplishment underscores the country’s potential to compete at a high level despite challenges like limited resources and grassroots infrastructure.
Kenya’s rugby success story is closely tied to the Kenya 7s team, also known as Shujaa. Their high intensity playing style has thrilled fans globally and earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting teams on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens circuit. Their 2016 victory at the Singapore Sevens, where they triumphed over Fiji in the final, remains a historic achievement.
In recent years, Shujaa has faced challenges but continues to inspire a new generation of players with its resilience and determination. Their participation in the HSBC Sevens World Series and other international tournaments has elevated Kenya’s profile in global rugby, creating opportunities for local players to shine.
The partnership between SportPesa and DBA Africa under the Tujiamini initiative is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots programs. By supporting both elite and community teams, they are laying the foundation for sustainable growth in rugby. From empowering women’s rugby to nurturing future stars at the academy level, the future of Kenyan rugby is supported thanks to SportPesa and Initiatives like Tujiamini.