Chajira, Wafula lead Lionesses’ title charge as Kenya hosts Africa Sevens

Head coach Simon Odongo has retained much of the experienced core that featured at the Safari Sevens, bringing in Nelly Chikombe and Catherine Elizabeth to replace Charity Nillah and Tracy Montex.

Kenya Lionesses players celebrate winning the 2026 Safari Sevens title after defeating Uganda Lady Cranes 22-5 in the final-round decider at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 11, 2026. Photo/Oliver Ananda/Sportpicha

By Oliver Okingo

Kenya Lionesses have named a 12-player squad for the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens Championship, with co-captains Sheila Chajira and Stella Wafula leading the side as they target continental glory and qualification for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.

Head coach Simon Odongo has retained much of the experienced core that featured at the Safari Sevens, bringing in Nelly Chikombe and Catherine Elizabeth to replace Charity Nillah and Tracy Montex.

The squad also features Yvette Okech, Moreen Muritu, Faith Livoi, Sinaida Mokaya, Janet Okello, Judith Auma, Marvel Oswago and Freshia Oduor.

Kenya will host 10 other nations at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on November 7 and 8.

The participating teams are Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Lionesses have been drawn in Pool B alongside Ghana and Tunisia, and will open their campaign against Ghana before facing Tunisia on Saturday. South Africa, the defending champions, headline Pool A after beating Kenya 22-0 in last year’s final.

The hosts, however, go into the tournament with confidence after defending their Safari Sevens crown with a 22-5 victory over Uganda in the final.

The championship offers a place in the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition to the best-placed team outside South Africa, who already compete in a higher division of the international sevens circuit.

Odongo has urged Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers and provide the team with the backing needed to secure qualification.

“I urge all the fans to come and support us. Come and be the extra player and push us to win gold,” he said.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said hosting the championship reflects the government’s ambition to position Kenya as a destination for major international sporting events, while creating opportunities for women athletes and promoting rugby talent across Africa.

The tournament comes shortly after the Rising Lionesses’ historic triumph at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where they defeated Australia 17-12 in extra time to win gold.

With home advantage, a recent Safari Sevens title and a place on the international circuit at stake, the Lionesses will be seeking to crown a significant period for Kenyan women’s rugby with continental success.

Kenya Lionesses Squad

1. Nelly Chikombe
2. Yvette Okech
3. Moreen Muritu
4. Sheila Chajira (Co-Captain)
5. Faith Livoi
6. Stella Wafula (Co-Captain)
7. Sinaida Mokaya
8. Janet Okello
9. Judith Auma
10. Marvel Oswago
11. Freshia Oduor
12. Catherine Elizabeth