Kenya 7s’ performance in the World 7s Series seemed unshakeable for years, from its roaring success in the 2016 campaign, Singapore leg, to its consistent dominance in the Africa 7s Cup.
Then in March 2023, came the unimaginable: Kenya 7s were relegated from the prestigious Series. That was a painful blow to the numerous fans who had stood with it through thick and thin; it was as if the darling team had hit a wall in every sense.
Kenya 7s relegation
Yet, amid this setback, a silver lining began to emerge, through the revitalized local 7s circuit, Kenya’s rugby future began to shine bright. While international eyes were on Kenya’s relegation, a new strategy was quietly taking shape at home.
Kenya 7s’ Nygel Amaitsa scores for Strathmore Leos in Dala 7s. PHOTO/Zapper Images
Coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua, the man at the helm of Kenya 7s, turned to the sport’s 7s league for support. The local circuit series, which includes famous tournaments like Mombasa’s Driftwood 7s, the Kisumu’s Dala 7s, the Geroge Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s, Kakamega 7s, and the Prinsloo 7s which is traditionally hosted in Nakuru were the breeding ground for a new generation of Kenyan rugby talent.
The local 7s circuit became the perfect platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills, it was also about nurturing talent, building character, and creating an environment where young players could shine.
Players like Nygel Amaitsa, Dennis Abukuse, Samuel Asati, William Mwanji and speedster Patrick Odongo found their stars rising through the local circuit.
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Lucky Dewald, is also another player born from the local circuit. It’s no exaggeration to say that without the local 7s series, these players may have remained hidden in the shadows of the 15s version of the sport.
The growth of the local circuit no doubt played a significant role in the resurgence of Kenya 7s on the global stage.
Qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics was proof that the local series was making its influence felt.
Even more impressive, Kenya’s victory in the Rugby Challenge Series, a newly established competition for promotion, showed the strength of the local rugby circuit demonstrating that the local series could develop the next generation at the same time serving as a feeder system for our national team.
Untapped potential
That said, the local 7s circuit still has untapped potential. It needs to be nurtured, expanded, and most importantly attract sponsorship to ensure its continued growth.
Kenya 7s speedster Patrick Odongo scores. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby.
With the right investments and support, the circuit can evolve into a powerful tool for player development, strengthening Kenya’s presence on the world rugby stage and demonstrates why it’s the best thing that ever happened to Kenya 7s.
The writer -Job Mukolwe is an avid rugby fan dedicated to supporting, and following the sports locally where it happens.
