‘Dawn of a New Beginning’: An African milestone as Kenya makes HSBC SVNS Hosting Debut
On 14 and 15 February, the rugby-mad East African nation will stage the HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament at the Nyayo Stadium in the capital city, Nairobi, involving both women’s and men’s national teams from around the world.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Kenya has over the years earned the admiration of the rugby world with their eye-catching performances on the HSBC SVNS circuit, the riveting series of international Sevens tournaments staged in different glamorous cities across the globe.
After taking on the world in places like Dubai, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Vancouver, it is the Kenyans’ turn now to host the world, a first for any African country outside South Africa in this hugely popular and prestigious event.
On 14 and 15 February, the rugby-mad East African nation will stage the HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament at the Nyayo Stadium in the capital city, Nairobi, involving both women’s and men’s national teams from around the world.
“Kenya hosting the HSBC Sevens is a massive achievement, and I say congratulations to all those involved,” says President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
“As I sit on the Executive Board of World Rugby, my argument a year ago was that Africa be given the right to host. Don’t eliminate us, because surely one of the greatest visual attractions in the world is Kenya at the HSBC Sevens. They have a history of it, along with Fiji and one or two other countries — there is always a corner that says Kenya. And my argument back to the Executive Board was that Africa is capable of doing much more than we recognise.
“So the negotiations went on and, thankfully, Nigel Cass’s team (World Rugby’s Chief of Competitions, Performance and Development Officer) came down when I was last in Nairobi and inspected the facilities. The go-ahead was given, and Kenya are now hosting this event, which I trust Harriet Okach (Chairperson of Kenya Rugby Union) and her team are going to put together as an extraordinary event.”
Mensah praised Kenya’s historic successful bid, remarking that while the continental governing body he leads played its important backing role, it was the East African nation’s own desire and commitment that ultimately secured them the right to host this HSBC SVNS second-tier competition.
“I can go and negotiate, and argue and fight for Africa,” remarks Mensah. “But we need to be sure that within Africa we have countries that want to come to the game, if that is the right thing to say. So I’m massively impressed. I think that for everybody who is going to be watching this tournament in Nairobi, they must appreciate that this is not normal — this is the dawn of a new beginning.”
Harriet Okach, Chairperson of Kenya Rugby Union, is eager to guide her country in making a strong impression on their first time of asking on the world stage.
“This is a truly historic moment for Kenya and for African rugby,” she says.
“Hosting an SVNS tournament positions Kenya firmly on the global rugby map and affirms the confidence World Rugby has in our structures, our fans, and our ability to deliver at the highest level. For Kenya Rugby Union, it is recognition of years of intentional investment in competition delivery, commercial growth and good governance. For the country, it is about hosting the world in Nairobi and showcasing Kenya as a capable, vibrant global sporting destination.
“The preparations have been intense, deliberate and collaborative. We are working closely with World Rugby, government agencies, commercial partners and our wider rugby ecosystem to ensure every detail is covered.”
The different nations that have played host in the history of this tournament have been unique in their own ways, combining the exhilarating nature of the shorter format of the game and the local way of life to deliver a festival to remember over a weekend.
The Kenyans are primed to unleash a spectacle of their own.
“We are very intentional about this,” affirms Okach.
“From music, culture and fashion to food and fan engagement, this will feel unapologetically Kenyan and proudly African. Our storytelling, ceremonies and activations will reflect who we are — colourful, energetic, youthful and welcoming. We want the world to experience Africa beyond the rugby, and Nairobi is the perfect stage for that.
“Fans should expect a world-class sporting event — fast, physical rugby on the pitch, and an elevated fan experience off it. This will be a celebration of sport, culture and entertainment, delivered to global broadcast standards, but with a distinctly Kenyan heartbeat.”
Thomas Odundo, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Rugby Union, also can’t wait for the first whistle to be blown at Nyayo Stadium.
“We’re ready to go,” says Odundo.
“The venue is in good shape, and accommodation options are good as well. Training venues and gyms have been secured. The games will speak for themselves. The Kenyan fans will bring life to the event. We’re looking at a weekend of high-intensity action, both on and off the pitch.”
Hosts Kenya will be represented by both their men’s and women’s teams.
And for the Kenyans, the focus isn’t just on giving their visitors an experience to remember — they also want the performances of their two teams to be the icing on the cake.
“Both Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses are highly motivated and well-prepared,” Harriet Okach says.
“There is a deep sense of pride in playing at home and making history on African soil. They understand the magnitude of this moment and are driven not just to compete, but to perform and inspire. The home crowd will be a massive boost, and I have no doubt they will rise to the occasion.”
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Participating Teams
Women: Kenya, China, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina
Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, Belgium, Canada
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Match Day 1: Saturday 14 February 2026 (EAT) (GMT+3)
Women
- 09:00 – China vs Argentina
- 09:22 – Spain vs South Africa
- 09:44 – Brazil vs Kenya
- 12:02 – Spain vs Argentina
- 12:24 – Brazil vs South Africa
- 12:46 – China vs Kenya
- 15:04 – Brazil vs Argentina
- 15:26 – China vs Spain
- 15:48 – Kenya vs South Africa
Men
- 10:06 – USA vs Belgium
- 10:28 – Uruguay vs Germany
- 10:50 – Kenya vs Canada
- 13:08 – Uruguay vs USA
- 13:30 – Germany vs Canada
- 13:52 – Kenya vs Belgium
- 16:10 – USA vs Canada
- 16:32 – Uruguay vs Belgium
- 16:54 – Kenya vs Germany
Match Day 2: Sunday 15 February 2026 (EAT) (GMT+3)
Women
- 11:00 – China vs South Africa
- 11:22 – Brazil vs Spain
- 11:44 – Kenya vs Argentina
- 15:12 – South Africa vs Argentina
- 15:34 – Brazil vs China
- 15:56 – Spain vs Kenya
Men
- 12:06 – Canada vs Belgium
- 12:28 – USA vs Germany
- 12:50 – Kenya vs Uruguay
- 16:18 – Germany vs Belgium
- 16:40 – Uruguay vs Canada
- 17:02 – Kenya vs USA
Written by Enock Muchinjo
