Kenya Lionesses assistant team manager Peruz Muyuka instructs the team during a training session at Moi Stadium, Kasarani Annex/CHARLENE MALWAKenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairperson Harriet Okach says building a strong and sustainable women’s rugby culture capable of elevating the 15s game to the level of Kenya’s Sevens success remains a long-term priority, with the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Nairobi forming a key part of that strategy.
The tournament, which features Kenya, defending champions South Africa, Uganda and Madagascar, is being seen as both a competitive test and a development platform aimed at accelerating women’s rugby growth in the country.
Okach said KRU is deliberately investing in structures that extend beyond national team camps, with a strong focus on grassroots development, schools rugby and club structures to create clearer pathways into the Kenya Lionesses setup.
She stressed that hosting major tournaments in Kenya is central to increasing visibility for the women’s game while exposing local players to high-level competition on home soil.
“We have to build a culture through sustained competition, coaching, talent development and opportunities for young players to transition into senior rugby,” Okach said.
The union has identified women’s rugby and youth development as priority growth areas, with the introduction of girls’ 15s rugby into school competitions this year seen as a major step in strengthening future talent pipelines.
In 2025, KRU also launched a women’s rugby committee focused on governance, player welfare, participation and long-term national team development.
Okach noted that Kenya’s success in Sevens rugby demonstrates what is possible when systems, investment and fan support are aligned, but emphasised that similar structures must now be built for the 15-a-side game.
“This cannot just be about one tournament; it has to be about building something sustainable where girls can see a pathway from school rugby to club rugby and eventually to the Kenya Lionesses,” she said.
Kenya enter the championship aiming to improve on last year’s runners-up finish, where they narrowly lost the title to South Africa.
Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo said the competition is crucial in preparation for next year’s Rugby World Cup and Olympic qualification campaigns. He described it as an important link between grassroots systems, Sevens development and the senior 15s team.
“That is a big milestone for us because next year will be crucial with both the World Cup and Olympic qualifiers coming up,” Odongo said.
He acknowledged South Africa remain the benchmark in African women’s rugby, but insisted Kenya are focused on narrowing the gap through better execution and game management after a narrow defeat last year.
Kenya open their campaign against Uganda on May 23, face Madagascar on May 27 and conclude against South Africa on May 31 at the RFUEA Grounds, where they will aim to convert home advantage into a first continental title.
