Kenya’s 2025 sports calendar was packed with high-profile events that brought fans from across the country and the world to its stadiums, tracks, and fan zones.
From heart-pounding motorsport action to intense rugby and football matches, the nation proved once again that it can host competitions at the highest level.
Safari Rally (WRC)
The 2025 World Rally Championships (WRC) Safari Rally took place from March 20 to March 23, with the first leg in Kasarani, Nairobi, before moving to Naivasha for the second leg. The drivers faced demanding routes at Sleeping Warrior, Elementeita stage, and Soysambu Conservancy, challenging even the most experienced participants.
Thousands of motorsport enthusiasts watched live from Naivasha, while global audiences followed from more than 170 countries, with over 120 million viewers across 50 television networks.
Elfyn Evans, 36, alongside co-driver Scott Martin in the Toyota Gazoo team, won the Safari Rally. They were closely followed by Hyundai’s Estonian driver Ott Tanak and his co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe.
President William Ruto at the Inspection of Karasani Stadium in Nairobi, ahead of the CHAN tournament on July 16, 2025. The President also visited Harambee Stars at their training grounds. PHOTO/PCSCHAN 2024
Between July and August, Kenya joined Tanzania and Uganda in hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN), with matches at Nyayo Stadium and Moi Sports Center, Kasarani. The tournament showcases players competing in their local leagues and provides a platform for emerging talent.
The Harambee Stars topped Group A, but their campaign ended in the quarter-finals after losing to Madagascar on penalties. Morocco eventually lifted the trophy, defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the final staged at Kasarani Stadium.
Safari Sevens 2025
The 27th Safari Sevens rugby tournament ran from October 10 to 12 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Men’s teams included Zimbabwe, Zambia, Shogun, French Renegades, Kenya Shujaa, Kenya Morans, UK Select, Apache Rugby, Reunion, Uganda Men, KCB RFC, and Walukuba Barbarians of Uganda.
The women’s competition featured Belgium, Kenya Lionesses, Shogun, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya Cubs, Zimbabwe, and Costa Blanca Barbarians. Kenya’s teams defended their titles, with Shujaa defeating Spain’s Shogun 14–7 in the men’s final, and the Lionesses beating Uganda 14–10 to claim the women’s trophy.
File image of Shujaa lifting the Safari Sevens trophy.Africa Women’s Sevens Cup
Kenya hosted the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road on November 15 and 16. Twelve nations competed for continental honors, including Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Egypt.
South Africa’s Springbok Women’s Sevens team defeated Kenya’s Lionesses 22–0 in the final. Before the loss, the hosts were unbeaten, beating Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire. The event also featured fan zones, music, and cultural exhibitions, creating an engaging and festive environment for spectators.
By successfully hosting these events, Kenya demonstrated its capacity to stage world-class sporting competitions, attracting fans, athletes, and media attention from across the globe.
