Kenya will host the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship this weekend, November 7–8, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with 11 national teams set to battle for continental honours and a coveted place in the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, welcoming participating nations and reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a destination for major international sporting events.
Hosts Kenya will be joined by Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the two-day championship.
The tournament presents the Kenya Lionesses with an opportunity to claim the continental crown on home soil and secure a return to the global sevens circuit. The Lionesses head into the competition in encouraging form following their successful Safari Sevens campaign, where they defeated Uganda 22–5 in the final to retain their title.
Mvurya called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and rally behind the national team as they pursue the African crown. Tickets for the championship are already available through Tikohub.com.
The championship also comes at a significant moment for Kenyan rugby following the historic achievement of the Rising Lionesses at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The young Kenyan side defeated Australia 17–12 in extra time to claim gold, becoming the first African nation to win a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.
Their impressive campaign included victories over China (12–5), hosts Senegal (19–0) and Madagascar (15–5) before overcoming Australia in a closely contested final.
Building on on these achievements, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s rugby through investment in grassroots development and competitive opportunities.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency President William Ruto, the Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for women and girls in sport,” Mvurya stated.”
The Ministry will continue working with the Kenya Rugby Union and other partners to strengthen the pathway from school and community rugby to club competition and national teams. Access to coaching and regular competition will help more girls develop their talent and progress to senior international rugby.”
Mvurya also commended Rugby Africa, the Kenya Rugby Union, sponsors and partners for facilitating the championship, expressing confidence that the event would further showcase the growing talent and potential of women’s rugby across the continent.
