Reviewed by Peris WambuKenya sports betting writer
Published 23 September 2026
The Kenya Rugby Union has confirmed eighteen teams for the Safari Sevens at the Nyayo National Stadium from 9 to 11 October, with Shujaa and the Lionesses both defending titles on home ground.
Twelve men’s sides and six women’s sides make up the field, with three more men’s teams named as standby. Kenya puts Shujaa and the Morans into the men’s draw and the Lionesses, the Cubs and Shibli into the women’s.
Who is coming to Nyayo
Uganda and Zimbabwe travel for the men’s tournament, along with Scotland 7s, Wonder 7s, the French Renegades, the Southern California Nomads and Shogun. Uganda and Tunisia join the women’s field with the Costa Blanca Barbarians. Wailers, Zambia 7s and KCB Rugby are the standby sides.
Why the October date matters to the Kenyan season
The national sevens circuit finished in September, with KCB taking the series and the Menengai Oilers winning the Christie. Safari Sevens is the tournament that follows it, and it is the one that brings touring sides to Nairobi rather than keeping the competition domestic. For the players it is the last significant sevens window before the Kenya Cup fifteens season starts.
Where to bet: a sevens tournament is priced on the knockout rounds rather than the pools, so expect outright winner and match winner rather than a deep handicap menu. SportPesa and Betika, both licensed in Kenya, where the Gambling Regulatory Authority replaced the Betting Control and Licensing Board in 2025, price rugby in KES and fund by M-Pesa. Prices on an invitational move once the touring squads are named, which is usually days rather than weeks before the first whistle, so an early number is rarely the number on the morning. Compare the two books before you stake. Our guide to the best betting sites in Kenya covers licensing and withdrawal times, and there is more in Kenya rugby news from AXN Sports. 18+. Gamble responsibly.
