There will be no resting for Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses after sweeping to victories in their respective categories of the Safari Sevens at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday.
Shujaa retained the men’s title after silencing Shogun from Europe 14-7 in a tight final. The win brought Shujaa’s title tally to 12.
The Kenya team now shift their attention to the Dubai International Sevens scheduled for next month.
Player-of-the- final Janet Okello took a quick tap penalty to land the winning try as Lionesses gained sweet revenge against Uganda Lady Cranes 14-10 in the final and reclaim the title they last won in 2021. Lady Cranes beat Kenya in the 2023 final.
Faith Livoi of Kenya Lionesses in full flight during a Safari Sevens match against Uganda at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Lionesses now turn their attention to the 2025 Women’s Rugby Africa Cup Sevens that will be held at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi, from November 14 to 17.
Skipper John Okoth landed a brace of tries as Kenya Morans downed Zimbabwe 19-10 in the third place play-off.
A minute of silence was observed before the finals in honour of the late Belgium women’s sevens coach, Warren Abraham, who died on Friday after collapsing at the stadium.
“Quite interesting play from the boys. We took off to a shaky start but we were able to stay composed even after Shogun took the lead,” said Shujaa coach and birthday boy Kevin Wambua.
World Rugby Division II Series
Wambua, who turned 40 yesterday (Sunday), said the victory was a sign of good things to come as they start their preparations for the World Rugby Division II Series that kicks off in February. The Division II is the pathway to World Rugby Division I series.
“We shall break for a week then resume training for Dubai Invitation before proceeding for a high performance training camp in South Africa,” said Wambua.
“Turning 40 with victory is just a blessing from the Almighty God. I give thanks to him and the players for their support,” said Wambua.
Co-captain George Ooro said the tournament has given them a good run heading to the Division II tournament.
Late changes by World Rugby during the last leg of the 2024/2025 World Series shattered Kenya’s dream of staying in the World Sevens Series after winning the promotion and relegation play-offs.
Kenya Shujaa's Patrick Odongo (left) charge past a Zimbabwean opponent during the Safari Sevens semi-final match on at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi October 12, 2025
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
World Rugby introduced Division I and Division II for the 2025/2026 season, a format that locked out the teams from the World Challenger Series.
In the Cup final, Anton Legorburu’s converted try gave Shogun the lead before Nygel Amaitsa kicked over his own try to level matters.
Lionesses skipper Sheila Chagira said winning the title after losing in the last two finals has inspired them to want to perform well in the Women’s Rugby Africa Cup Sevens.
“It really feels nice to have our seasoned players back in the team. We hope to have them during the continental championship,” said Chagira, singling out Okello, Naomi Amuguni, Freshia Livoi.
