By GPC News Desk

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its Tusker brand, has committed Sh14 million to support the 2026 Safari Sevens tournament, deepening its partnership with Kenyan rugby.

Tusker will serve as the Official Alcohol Beverage and Entertainment Partner of the 28th edition of Safari Sevens, scheduled for October 9 to 11 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The sponsorship will support the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in organising the three-day tournament while enhancing entertainment and fan experiences around the competition.

The partnership builds on Tusker’s involvement in Kenyan rugby during the 2026 season, including its support for the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament and all legs of the National Sevens Circuit.

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement at Tusker Brewhouse, Tusker Sports Brand Manager Keza Mpyisi said the investment reflected the brand’s continued support for the development of rugby in Kenya.

“Rugby has a special place in Kenya, and Tusker is proud to continue playing a role in the growth of the sport,” Mpyisi said.

She added that the Sh14 million investment would support both the tournament and the overall experience for players and fans.

“We are pleased to build on our involvement in the National Sevens Circuit and bring that support to one of the country’s biggest rugby events,” she said.

KRU Chairperson Harriet Okach welcomed the partnership, saying strong corporate support was important in delivering a tournament of Safari Sevens’ scale.

“We are delighted to welcome Tusker as a partner of the 2026 Safari Sevens. A tournament of this scale requires strong partnerships, and the commitment from Tusker will provide important support towards delivering the competition,” Okach said.

KRU chief executive officer Thomas Odundo said preparations for the tournament were at an advanced stage, with the union working on teams, venues, match operations, officials and logistics.

“We are well prepared for this year’s Safari Sevens and the work towards the tournament has been progressing well,” Odundo said.

Kenya Shujaa captain Samuel Asati said the team was preparing for a competitive tournament and would draw motivation from playing before home supporters.

“We are preparing well and the team is focused on putting in a strong performance at Safari Sevens,” Asati said.

Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira said the tournament would provide an opportunity for the team to compete at home while continuing its development.

“Playing at home gives us the opportunity to compete in front of our supporters, and that is something we value,” Chajira said.

Shujaa and the Lionesses will enter this year’s tournament as defending champions after winning the men’s and women’s Main Cup titles in the 2024 and 2025 editions.

Shujaa claimed their 14th Safari Sevens title in 2025, while the Lionesses successfully defended their women’s crown.

Twelve teams have so far confirmed participation in the men’s competition, while seven have been confirmed for the women’s category.

The men’s field comprises Kenya Shujaa, Kenya Morans, Safari Select, Wellington Jaguars, Shogun, Uganda 7s, Zimbabwe 7s, Scotland 7s, Xeve 7s, Wonder 75, Southern California Nomads and French Renegades.

The women’s competition will feature Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Shibli, Costa Blanca Barbarians Svens, Uganda 7s, Tunisia 7s and SportPesa Fast Forwards.

With the defending champions returning to the competition on home soil, organisers expect the 28th edition to attract established national sides and invitational teams from the region and beyond.