2025 REVIEW: A look at events that shaped Kenyan Rugby
Reading Time: 6min | Mon. 29.12.25. | 09:25
From the fall of traditional giants to global restructuring that altered Kenya’s standing on the global stage, Mozzart Sport takes a look at a year that left an indelible mark on the sport
2025 was a year of sharp contrasts for Kenyan rugby.
It was marked by historic milestones, painful setbacks, administrative upheaval, and clear signs of growth, especially in the women’s game.
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From the fall of traditional giants to global restructuring that altered Kenya’s standing on the global stage, Mozzart Sport takes a look at a year that left an indelible mark on the sport.
Mwamba’s historic relegation
One of the most emotional moments of the year was the relegation of Mwamba RFC from the Kenya Cup.
Fondly known as Kulabu, Mwamba were relegated at the end of the 2024/25 season, ending an unbroken top-flight stay that stretched back to 1999.
Their fate was sealed on Saturday, 8 March, despite a convincing 29–15 victory over Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad.
Mwamba finished level on 16 points with Impala RFC but suffered relegation due to an inferior head-to-head record and points differential.
It was a painful chapter for a club long synonymous with Kenyan rugby excellence, whose only previous relegation came in 1996, before the current league structures were established.
Shujaa relegated after HSBC Series overhaul
Kenya Sevens endured a major blow after being officially relegated from the HSBC SVNS following a World Rugby structural shake-up confirmed on 1 May..
The new format reduced core teams from 12 to eight per gender, fundamentally reshaping the global sevens landscape.
The changes, aimed at sustainability and global expansion ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics, came at a high cost for Kenya, pushing Shujaa into a rebuilding phase while raising questions about long-term competitiveness.
Singapore silver for Shujaa
Despite the structural setback, Shujaa still delivered a memorable run on the field. Kenya finished second at the Singapore 7s after falling 21–12 to Fiji in the final on 6 April.
Hopes of recreating the magic of their iconic 2016 Singapore triumph were high, especially after taking an early lead and enjoying a numerical advantage.
However, Fiji’s tactical discipline and extended dominance over Kenya proved decisive, denying Shujaa a fairytale ending.
Morans dominate Zambezi 7s
Kenya Morans delivered a statement performance by winning the Zambezi Challenge 7s in Harare on 9 November.
The Morans defeated Zimbabwe Cheetahs 14–0 in the final and completed the tournament unbeaten without conceding a single point, a remarkable defensive feat that brought their depth to full display.
The Morans were fresh from winning bronze at the Safari 7s.
Safari 7s returns in style
Kenya successfully hosted the 27th edition of the Safari 7s from 10–12 October at Nyayo National Stadium.
The tournament attracted 20 teams from across Africa and Europe, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Belgium, and invitational sides from France and the UK.
Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses emerged as champions, another moment that showcased the country’s depth.
The Safari Sevens Rugby Championship 2025 saw thrilling action from October 10-12 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.#starinfographics pic.twitter.com/6lWIkckSKl
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) October 14, 2025
Growth of women’s rugby
Women’s rugby enjoyed one of its most successful years yet.
Kenya hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup at the RFUEA Grounds from 15–16 November, bringing together 12 top African nations.
South Africa claimed the title, but Kenya impressed in front of passionate home fans, signalling a resurgence.
During Safari 7s, the Lionesses fielded three teams, Lionesses, Cubs, and Mwamba Select, a clear indicator of growing depth.
Players such as Faith Livoi and Edith Nariaka epitomised the team’s maturity and evolution, positioning the Lionesses as a force for the future.
Administrative turmoil at KRU
Off the pitch, governance issues dominated headlines.
Sasha Mutai resigned as Kenya Rugby Union chairman following a Special General Meeting held on May 30 at the RFUEA Grounds.
The resignation came amid mounting pressure, including a motion seeking his suspension over alleged misappropriation of Kshs 13.2 million through fraudulent invoices.
World Rugby had also raised concerns over internal conflicts, governance failures, and a lack of transparency, making Mutai’s exit a defining moment in Kenyan rugby administration.
First female chairperson
In the aftermath of Sasha Mutai’s resignation, Kenya Rugby entered a new chapter in governance.
KRU appointed Harriet Okach as its first-ever female chairperson in June 2025, a historic milestone for the sport.
Her appointment was confirmed on Wednesday, 5 June, during a KRU Board meeting convened to select a successor following Mutai’s exit.
The meeting came five days after Mutai stepped down during a Special General Meeting held at the RFUEA Grounds on Friday, 30 May.
Simbas’ World Cup dream
Kenya Simbas’ hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup were crushed after a 29–23 semifinal defeat to Zimbabwe at the Rugby Africa Cup on 13 July in Kampala.
The disappointment deepened when Kenya lost 15–5 to Algeria in the bronze medal playoff, ending the campaign on a low note.
Kabras Sugar Rugby Club and Kenya Simbas Captain George Nyambua Celebrates His Birthday Today. Turns 32
— Jonathan Bilaso (@ItsBilaso) September 13, 2025
George Nyambua Achievement:
2014 Nationwide League Champions 🏆
Earning Kabras Sugar Rugby Club Promotion to Kenya Cup in 2014.
Five Times Kenya Cup Champion 🏆
#RugbyKE pic.twitter.com/u4NuPQD3GD
Barthes Trophy
Kenya’s U20 side, Chipu, finished runners-up at the 2025 Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy in Harare.
A narrow 21–20 win over hosts Zimbabwe secured second place, but Namibia’s unbeaten run handed them the title.
The result was a step back for Chipu, who had lifted the trophy in 2024.
Kabras Sugar dominance
The sugar millers continued their domestic dominance by completing a historic four-peat after edging Menengai Oilers 27–26 in a thrilling Kenya Cup final at the ASK Kakamega Showground.
The Sugar Millers joined Impala, Nondescripts, and KCB as the only clubs to win four consecutive Kenya Cup titles, cementing their status as one of the great teams in Kenyan rugby history.
KCB rule Sevens Circuit
The Bankers were the standout team on the National Sevens Circuit.
Six finals, four titles, and the overall circuit crown defined a season of redemption for the Bankers.
They capped off their campaign with a 12–5 victory over Kabras at the rain-soaked Dala 7s final in Kisumu on September 14.
Coached by Andrew Amonde, KCB reached every Cup final, a feat last achieved in 2016, reclaiming dominance after losing the 2024 circuit title.
Expansion and absences on the local calendar
Embu 7s made history by debuting as a National Sevens Circuit leg in August, hosted at Njukiri Showground.
The addition marked a significant step in decentralising rugby and expanding its footprint.
However, notable absences also stood out.
The Elgon Cup, Victoria Cup, and Rugby Super Series were not played, largely due to Simbas’ Rugby Africa Cup preparations and scheduling challenges, leaving gaps in the competitive calendar.
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Future of Enterprise Cup
One of the most worrying trends was the decline of the Enterprise Cup.
Founded in 1930, the historic competition struggled with participation, with only two of eight scheduled matches played in one round.
The situation reignited debate over whether Kenya’s oldest rugby tournament is slowly fading into irrelevance.
Hosting rights signal hope
Amid the turbulence, Kenya secured hosting rights for an HSBC Division Two World Rugby Sevens event set for 14–15 February, 2026.
The milestone will make Kenya only the second African nation, after South Africa, to host a World Rugby Sevens event, offering renewed hope for revival on the global stage.
