KRU boss Okach rallies fans ahead of Safari Sevens

• Speaking at the official tournament sponsors' unveiling in Nairobi on Thursday, Okach emphasised that the iconic event offers Kenya a crucial platform to showcase home-grown rugby talent and give national players elite competition on home soil.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) (left) with Sports CS Salim Mvurya at a past event

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okach has rallied fans to pack the stands for this year’s landmark Safari Sevens set to run from October 9 to 12 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Speaking at the official tournament sponsors' unveiling in Nairobi on Thursday, Okach emphasised that the iconic event offers Kenya a crucial platform to showcase home-grown rugby talent and give national players elite competition on home soil.

Both Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses enter the competition as reigning champions in their respective categories.

The 28th edition of the Safari Sevens will feature 18 teams split into 12 men's and six women's sides.

With women's rugby rapidly expanding across Africa, Okach highlighted the urgency for Kenya to reinforce its grassroots structures and broaden opportunities for female athletes.

“For a long time, we have not had the right pathway for the women, and a lot of women’s teams are getting stronger. We too need to have more player capacity,” Okach said.

She stressed that expanding the talent pool and sharpening development pipelines are vital to keeping Kenya competitive in an increasingly demanding global Sevens landscape.

Okach framed the four-day extravaganza as a prime stage to demonstrate Kenya's hosting capabilities and boost the local economy.

“This is a way for us to showcase what we have and promote sports tourism,” she stated.

The tournament gains powerful backing from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), which reaffirmed its dedication to growing the sport and delivering unforgettable fan experiences.

Christine Kariuki, KBL’s Head of Mainstream and Value Beer, pointed to surge in turnout and vibrant atmospheres at recent sporting events, expressing full confidence in the brand's evolving partnership with Kenyan rugby.

She noted that the collaboration aims to inspire future generations while solidifying support for players, officials, and fans alike.

“Marking 30 years of Safari Sevens shows the commitment, passion and focus in accelerating sports experience in rugby,” Kariuki said.

Kariuki pledged sustained support for all tournament stakeholders, emphasizing that long-term corporate partnerships are essential to nurturing talent and elevating the game.

Celebrating 30 years of excellence, the Safari Sevens remains a crown jewel on Kenya’s sporting calendar. It provides vital international exposure for rising stars while offering national team selectors a clear look at squad depth across both the men’s and women’s setups.

Promising a seamless mix of top-tier rugby and electric off-pitch entertainment, Okach urged supporters to bring the energy to Nyayo National Stadium from kick-off to the final whistle.

As preparations reach full swing, anticipation builds for October 9, when the historic 28th edition kicks off to celebrate three decades of rich rugby heritage and showcase Kenya's sporting potential to the world.