Safari Sevens Gets Ksh 14 million Sponsorship Boost from Tusker
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, has committed KSH 14 million to support the 2026 Safari Sevens, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to Kenyan rugby.
Under the partnership, Tusker will serve as the Official Alcohol Beverage and Entertainment Partner of the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens, which will take place from 9 – 11 October at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
The sponsorship will support the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in the organisation of the tournament, as well as in elevating the entertainment and fan experiences around the three-day competition.
The partnership builds on Tusker’s involvement in Kenyan rugby throughout the 2026 season, including its support of the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament, and the just-concluded National Sevens Circuit, where the brand sponsored all the legs of the competition.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement at Tusker Brewhouse, Keza Mpyisi, Tusker Sports Brand Manager said the investment reflects Tusker’s continued commitment to supporting the growth of rugby in Kenya.
“Rugby has a special place in Kenya, and Tusker is proud to continue playing a role in the growth of the sport. Our Ksh 14 million investment in Safari Sevens is about supporting the tournament and, importantly, helping create an experience that players and fans can enjoy. We are pleased to build on our involvement in the National Sevens Circuit and bring that support to one of the country’s biggest rugby events.”
Harriet Okach, KRU Chairlady said: “We are delighted to welcome Tusker as a partner of the 2026 Safari Sevens. A tournament of this scale requires strong partnerships, and the commitment from Tusker will provide important support towards delivering the competition. Tusker has a longstanding relationship with Kenyan rugby, and we are pleased to continue building on that association.”
Thomas Odundo, CEO, Kenya Rugby Union, welcomed Tusker’s support and assured that preparations for the tournament are well advanced, with the Union focused on ensuring all aspects of the event are in place ahead of the opening whistle.
“We are well prepared for this year’s Safari Sevens and the work towards the tournament has been progressing well. Our focus has been on ensuring that the teams, venues, match operations, officials and other logistical requirements are in place to deliver a tournament of the standard that Safari Sevens is known for. We are looking forward to welcoming the participating teams and fans to Nyayo and hosting what promises to be an exciting three days of rugby.”
With preparations continuing ahead of the tournament, Kenya Shujaa captain Samuel Asati said the team is focused on being ready for the challenge.
“We are preparing well and the team is focused on putting in a strong performance at Safari Sevens. Playing at home in front of our fans makes the tournament particularly important to us. We know the level of competition will be high because there are top teams coming in, so our focus is on preparation, and executing what we have worked on as a team.”
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira said the tournament provides an important opportunity for the team to compete at home and continue building momentum.
“We are looking forward to Safari Sevens and are putting in the work to ensure we are ready. Playing at home gives us the opportunity to compete in front of our supporters, and that is something we value. It is also an important tournament for us as we continue to build as a team and compete against strong opposition.”
Kenya Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses enter the 2026 Safari Sevens as the defending champions, having won the men’s and women’s Main Cup titles in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
Shujaa secured their 14th Safari Sevens title in 2025, while the Lionesses successfully defended their women’s title, continuing their strong record at the tournament.
With both teams returning to defend their titles on home soil, the 2026 edition is expected to bring together a competitive field of established national sides and invitational teams from across the region and beyond.
So far, 12 teams have confirmed participation for the Men’s Category and seven teams for the Women’s Category.
Confirmed Teams
Men’s Category
Kenya Shujaa
Kenya Morans
Safari Select
Wellington Jaguars
Shogun
Uganda 7s
Zimbabwe 7s
Scotland 7s
Xeve 7s
Wonder 75
Southern California Nomads
French Renegades
Women’s Category
Kenya Lionesses
Kenya Cubs
Shibli
Costa Blanca Barbarians Svens
Uganda 7s
Tunisia 7s
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