Kenya will host the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship on November 7 and 8 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with 11 national teams set to compete for the continental title.
The tournament will bring together Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, alongside hosts Kenya.
According to a statement issued by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Wednesday, November 4, the competition will also offer teams an opportunity to secure a place in the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Kenya’s Lionesses will head into the continental tournament with confidence following an impressive performance at the Safari Sevens, where they defeated Uganda 22-5 in the final to retain their title.
Meanwhile Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has named his 12-player squad for the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens Cup scheduled to take place at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi from7-8 November 2026.
In the team named, co-captains Sheila Chajira and Stella Wafula will continue to lead the side, providing experience and leadership as Kenya prepares for the two-day tournament.
Odongo has largely maintained the core of the squad that featured during the 2025 Safari 7s, retaining several familiar faces who have been part of the national team’s recent campaigns.
Among those included are Janet Okello, Faith Livoi, Freshia Oduor, Sinaida Mokaya, Judith Auma, Marvel Oswago, Yvette Okech and Moreen Muritu.
There is also a new face in the continental squad, with Nelly Chikombe earning her place in the 12-player team. Her inclusion adds another option for the technical bench as the Lionesses prepare for the challenge ahead.
Catherine Elizabeth has also been selected after the technical team assessed two debutants during the Safari 7s. She makes the cut at the expense of Tracy Montex who has been left out of the squad.
Charity Nillah is another notable absentee, having been dropped from the 12-player group that featured at the Safari 7s.
Odongo will be assisted by Geoffrey Ominde while Camilyne Oyuayo will serve as the team manager.
The team will now seek to capitalise on home advantage to reclaim the African crown and secure a return to the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Mvurya has called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers at the RFUEA Grounds to support the national team, noting that hosting the championship reflects the government’s commitment to promoting women’s sport and positioning Kenya as a destination for major sporting events.
The Cabinet Secretary also congratulated the Rising Lionesses following their historic gold medal victory at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
The young Kenyan side defeated Australia 17-12 in extra time in the final after overcoming China 12-5, Senegal 19-0 and Madagascar 15-5 in the semi-final.
Their triumph made Kenya the first African country to win a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.
Mvurya said the government would continue working with the Kenya Rugby Union and other partners to strengthen pathways for girls in rugby, from grassroots and school competitions to national teams.
