Kenya Lionesses revamp technical bench with new assistant coach

Kenya Lionesses have bolstered their technical bench by appointing Geoffrey Ominde as assistant coach, a role that had remained vacant following recent changes within the national setup.

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Ominde steps into the position after Simon Odongo was promoted to head coach, succeeding Dennis Mwanja. The former Menengai Oilers backs coach will now deputise Odongo as the Lionesses continue to rebuild and strengthen ahead of a busy international calendar.

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His elevation comes on the back of impressive work with Menengai Oilers, where he was instrumental in developing a sharp, fluid backline.

Ominde’s rugby pedigree also extends to his playing days, having featured as a halfback for Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, and the Kenya Simbas, the national 15s side.

As a player, Ominde built a reputation as a reliable kicker and game manager. One of his standout moments came during the 2021/22 Kenya Cup campaign, where he slotted eight penalties in a single match, an exceptional feat that helped halt KCB’s dominance and showcased his composure under pressure.

He is now expected to bring that experience to the touchline when the Lionesses begin their 2026 season at the Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division tournament, set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds from Thursday, 21 to Sunday, 31 May.

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The tournament will feature four of Africa’s top sides: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar in what promises to be a fiercely competitive showdown.

Kenya will be aiming to go one better after finishing second in the previous edition. Playing on home soil presents a significant advantage, especially as this will be their first 15s outing of the year, offering a crucial opportunity to build combinations and test themselves against elite opposition.

Beyond the competition itself, hosting the tournament signals growing confidence in Kenya’s ability to stage high-profile women’s rugby events.

The country successfully hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s last year, where South Africa narrowly edged Kenya in the final, an experience that is expected to play a key role in delivering another successful tournament.

The annual Rugby Africa Women’s Cup also serves as a pathway to global competitions. In 2024, South Africa booked their place at the 2025 Rugby World Cup after lifting the title in Madagascar, before successfully defending it in 2025.

All eyes will now turn to Nairobi as the Lionesses begin their campaign with a regional derby against Uganda on Saturday, 23 May, followed by a clash against Madagascar on Wednesday, 27 May. They will then conclude their fixtures with a high-stakes encounter against South Africa on Sunday, 31 May.