They have been tipped as the teams to watch, and true to form, they have set the tone.
Former champions, KCB, defending champions, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and record 17-time champions Nondescripts chalked comprehensive victories on day one of the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup on Saturday.
KCB’s 87-5 demolition of Impala, the second most successful team in Kenya Cup history with eight titles, at Ruaraka, left pundits wondering if the Ngong road-based outfit will survive relegation.
Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST), who returned to the top-flight league after two seasons in the cold, were crushed 67-6 by Kabras in the “Lurambi derby” in Kakamega.
Former Kenya Under-20 backrow Nathan Tsindoli might have scored Daystar University’s first try in Kenya Cup, but the debutants fell 76-16 to seasoned Menengai Oilers.
Chasing their first title since 1998, Nondies clipped visiting Kisumu 36-12 at the Nong Racecourse as Strathmore University Leos reigned supreme in the battle of varsities, edging out hosts Kenyatta University’s Black Blad 32-30 as both sides claimed bonus points.
Menengai Oilers captain Ibrahim Ayoo leads teammates in celebration with Impala Floodlit Rugby tournament trophy on November 8, 2025 at Impala Club.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
The battle of former champions at the RFUEA proved a see-saw as Kenya Harlequins dug deep to snatch a slim 23-18 victory against Nakuru.
Five teams gained bonus points victories to collect five points each, but it’s the eight-time champions KCB, who last won the Kenya Cup title in 2021, that topped the table on superior aggregate, followed by Kabras, Oilers, Nondies and Strathmore, in that order.
Impala, who have 10 Kenya Cup titles in their coffers, and were last relegated during the 2021/2022 season, are perched at the bottom of the 12-team league standings.
KCB coach Andrew Amonde reckoned that his players are coming of age and will strongly contest for the Kenya Cup title.
“We are getting to a place where we shall be strong title contenders. We have started well, and what will count for us is consistency, getting our execution right and picking our opportunities,” said Amonde.
Amonde conceded that Kabras Sugar, KCB and Menengai Oilers were the sides to beat this season.
It will be quite nostalgic for Amonde as he takes KCB to Kisumu, where his rugby journey started way back in 2004, in his next Kenya Cup match.
Kabras Sugar have featured in all 10 Kenya Cup finals since 2016. They have met KCB seven times, winning twice (2024, 2024). They have met Oilers twice (2022, 2025) and Impala (2016), winning all encounters.
“It’s about the calibre of players in these sides that basically produce players to Kenya Simbas and Kenya Sevens teams,” noted Amonde, adding that the climax of it all is when fans come to watch these sides play.
KCB Samuel Asati of KCB charges past Menengai Oilers opponents during Impala Rugby Floodlights match on October 21, 2023 at Impala Rugby Ground.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Despite the victory, Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa wasn’t happy with his team, saying they tended to undermine their MMUST, especially in the first half. “Our aggression was 50-50, and that shouldn’t happen. We didn’t perform well at the breakdowns and lineouts, but our defence was good,” said Katywa, who praised his back three.
Menengai Oilers skipper Ibrahim Ayoo said that after reaching the final last season, their target is to have a home semi-final and final too this season. "The best way to kill a lion is to take it away from its jungle, and that is why we want to have both KCB and Kabras play in Nakuru," said Ayoo, who praised his charges for a job well done against Daystar.
"We really can't rank ourselves with Falcons, but our systems worked well. We targeted over 60 points," said Ayoo.
