The Kenya Cup campaign kicks off this weekend, ushering in a series of matches that will run till May 2025 to determine who will be crowned champions.
Heading into the new campaign, Kabras will be chasing a five-peat, Menengai Oilers will be targeting a maiden title, while KCB Rugby will be hunting their ninth as they look to end over a
five-year wait.
Kenya Cup intriguing
The final matches of the season are always intriguing as they determine how both the top and bottom of the table shape up. Several matches across the calendar could play a crucial role in the top-two contest and the title race.
Kabras have a tricky visit to the Kenyatta University Grounds, a venue where they had to dig deep two seasons ago to secure maximum points. They will also host Nondies, a side that denied them a bonus point last season, a match that could influence their season depending on how rivals perform this season.
Menengai Oilers have a Nakuru Derby against Nakuru RFC to worry about though they havent lost at home to Nakuru and an early trip to Nondies, both of which could make or break their campaign.
KCB Rugby, on their part, face an away trip to Nakuru RFC. Their last double visits to Nakuru town saw them miss out on a winning bonus against Wanyore and lose all points to Oilers. They also have a short, but tricky, away trip to Blak Blad.
Scrummage Africa takes a look at some of the matches that could shape the title race this season with title set to revolve around the three ussual suspects once more.
Menengai Oilers v KCB Rugby (Match Day 9 | 28 February 2026)
This has become one of the most decisive fixtures in the title race. In recent seasons, it has played a major role in determining who finishes second on the log.
KCB Rugby forward Bob Muhati against Kabras RFC. PHOTO/KCB Rugby
Oilers enter the season determined to break into the top two for the first time since earning promotion. Being a home fixture, it poses a tough test for KCB, as the Oilmen enjoyed a strong home run last season, only losing to Kabras.
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KCB last visited the Refinery in March 2024 and fell 21–7. A win here would be a statement result for the bankers and could seal a top-two finish and a home semifinal.
Oilers head into this clash buoyed by their semifinal win over KCB in the Kenya Cup and a commanding 31–8 result, their biggest in this fixture. They added a preseason 16–13 win at the Impala Floodlit tournament and will be keen to extend their momentum.
KCB Rugby v Kabras Sugar Match Day 10 | 7 March 2026
This fixture has been a top-of-the-table decider in most seasons since 2018.
It comes at a time when KCB may either have picked crucial points in Nakuru against Oilers or dropped some. If they win in Nakuru and collect maximum points elsewhere, they will eye this fixture as a chance to top the table. If they drop points, they will be under pressure to win, especially with Kabras yet to face Oilers by then.
Kabras fully understand the magnitude of this clash. They have beaten KCB nine times in a row in all competitions, and five times in succession in Kenya Cup. They will be keen to stretch the run but equally aware of the challenge at the Den.
The Den offers KCB an advantage, it is the venue where Kabras last lost a Kenya Cup match, a 28–20 defeat on 26 February 2022. It is also where Kabras broke their losing jinx to KCB with a 19–6 win in a rain-soaked clash, later returning to clinch a massive 29–23 victory that earned them the right to host the 2023 final.
Kabras Sugar v Menengai Oilers Match Day 11 |14 March 2026
This fixture comes on the final day of the season, and there is a real possibility that one or both sides may arrive unbeaten or carrying a single loss.
It could determine who finishes first, second, or even third. Being played in Kakamega gives Kabras a slight advantage, they have not lost in Kakamega since 18 May 2019 and have not lost a league-phase match at home since 3 February 2018, a record they will be eager to protect.
Menengai Oilers Beldad Ogeta in action against Kabras RFC. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje
Oilers will draw confidence from their strong second-half display in last season’s final, where they fell short by only a single point. Although they have never beaten Kabras RFC in 15s, they will be chasing history as victory would boost their chances of securing a home semifinal.
