KCB Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local sports by injecting KES4.5 million into this year’s edition of the Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament, which will take place this weekend, at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Out of the total sponsorship package, KES2.5 million will go towards supporting the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in broadcast production to ensure global visibility, while KES2 million will facilitate customer engagements and on-ground activations during the three-day event.
Speaking during the cheque handover, KCB Bank Kenya Finance Director James Mugo underscored the Bank’s continued dedication to nurturing talent and promoting sports development across the country.
“Sports remain a unifying force and a key avenue for nurturing talent. Through this sponsorship, we aim to contribute to the continued success of the Safari Sevens and the growth of rugby. We also reaffirm our commitment to empowering young people through sports,” said Mr Mugo.
This year’s Safari 7s has attracted 20 teams, 12 men’s and 8 women’s sides, from across Africa and beyond. Kenya’s Shujaa will be seeking to defend their crown against formidable regional opponents, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Reunion, and Walukuba Barbarians, alongside invitational teams such as Shogun Rugby, French Renegades, UK Select, and Apache Rugby.
“We are grateful for sponsors like KCB who have come on board to support the growth of the game in the country. Through this partnership, we will be able to showcase Kenya’s depth of talent on the global stage, further cementing our growing reputation as a rugby hub,” noted Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo.
The sponsorship comes as KCB RFC, fresh from clinching the 2025 National Sevens Series title, prepares to feature among the top contenders in this year’s competition. The Bankers made history in the local tourney by winning five circuit titles, which also secured their spot in the Safari 7s.
KCB RFC will be led by Coach Jacob Ojee, stepping in for Andrew Amonde, who is currently on national duty with Shujaa. Ojee expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness for the challenge ahead.
Among the names expected to feature for KCB are Austin Sikutwa, Bramwel Kilwake, Mike Wekesa, Brian Wahinya, Emmanuel Opondo, Bob Muhati, and Davies Nyaundi.
Safari 7s 2025 fixtures and order of play
Friday (All times in EAT)
Women
Costa Blanca Barbarians vs Mwamba Select – 1600
Shogun vs Kenya Cubs – 1622
Uganda vs Belgium – 1644
Kenya Lionesses vs Tunisia – 1706
Men
Kenya Morans vs ReUnion – 1728
Zimbabwe vs Apache – 1750
Shogun vs KCB Rugby – 1812
Uganda vs Nyati – 1834
French Renegades vs UK Select – 1856
Kenya Shujaa vs Walukuba Rugby -1918
Saturday
Women
Costa Blanca Barbarians vs Kenya Cubs – 1000
Shogun vs Mwamba Select – 1022
Uganda vs Tunisia – 1044
Kenya Lionesses vs Belgium – 1106
Men
Kenya Morans vs Apache – 1128
Zimbabwe vs ReUnion – 1153
Shogun vs Nyati – 1218
Uganda vs KCB – 1243
French Renegades vs Walukuba Rugby – 1308
Kenya Shujaa vs UK Select – 1333
BREAK (60 minutes)
Women
Kenya Cubs vs Mwamba Select – 1500
Belgium vs Tunisia – 1522
Costa Blanca Barabarians vs Shogun – 1544
Kenya Lionesses vs Uganda – 1606
Apache vs ReUnion – 1628
Nyati vs KCB Rugby – 1653
UK Select vs Walukuba Rugby – 1718
Kenya Morans vs Zimbabwe -1743
Shogun vs Uganda – 1808
Kenya Shujaa vs French Renegades – 1833
SUNDAY
Women
Main Cup quarterfinals
QF1: A1 vs B4 – 0800
QF2: B2 vs A3- 0822
QF3: A2 vs B3 – 0844
QF4: B1 vs A4 -0906
Men
Main Cup quarterfinals
QF1: B1 vs Best 3rd place team – 0928
QF2: C1 vs A2 – 0950
QF3: B2 vs C2 – 1012
QF4: A1 vs Second best 3rd place team – 1034
Main Cup semis
Women
SF1: Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2 – 1308
SF2: Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4 – 1330
Men
SF1: Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2 – 1352
SF2: Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4 – 1414
Main cup finals
Women
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 – 1626
Men
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 – 1648
