Kenya is ready for HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2 , Nairobi Leg, as the country prepares to welcome 12 international teams to Nyayo National Stadium for a tournament the government has described as a defining moment in its sporting history.
The competition, scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026, will see six men’s and six women’s teams from 11 countries compete in Nairobi in a major continental showcase.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, the government said, “Kenya is proud to host the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2 - Nairobi Leg at Nyayo National Stadium on February 14 and 15, 2026, a historic milestone that elevates Kenya's global sporting profile and affirms our growing stature as a premier destination for international sports.”
The Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, formally welcomed the visiting sides.
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I warmly welcome the 12 elite international teams, six men's and six women's sides, from 11 countries who have arrived in Nairobi for this thrilling continental showcase,” he said.
The women’s tournament features Kenya, Brazil, South Africa, China, Argentina and Spain. The men’s competition brings together Kenya, Germany, the USA, Uruguay, Canada and Belgium.
The ministry described the participants as an exceptional lineup that reflects the tournament's international prestige.
Kenya’s national sides, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, are expected to headline the event, buoyed by strong home support and a record of continental success.
“Our national teams, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, stand ready to compete with passion and pride, building on Kenya's remarkable legacy of multiple Africa Sevens titles and consistent podium finishes on the World Rugby Sevens Series, achievements that firmly affirm Kenya as a continental champion and a rising global powerhouse in rugby,” the statement said.
Hosting the Nairobi leg places Kenya among a small number of African countries to stage an event of such scale.
“Kenya now becomes the second country in Africa to host an event of this magnitude, an unmistakable vote of confidence in our capacity to deliver world-class tournaments, nurture elite talent, and position our nation as a hub for sports tourism and global engagement,” the ministry said.
Officials say the tournament has generated significant interest among fans, with tickets selling out ahead of the opening day.
“With all tickets sold out, comprehensive live television coverage in place, and robust security and traffic management arrangements deployed, fans across the country will be able to enjoy this historic rugby festival safely and seamlessly,” Mvurya said.
The sold-out status underlines rugby sevens’ popularity in Kenya, where the shortened format of the game has become a key part of the country’s sporting identity.
Beyond the on-field action, the government views the tournament as an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s organisational capacity and to strengthen its appeal as a destination for sports tourism and international events.
As anticipation builds, the Cabinet Secretary called on Kenyans to rally behind the national teams.
“Let us come out in our numbers, in true Kenyan style, and cheer on our heroes, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, as they once again rise to the occasion and redefine history on the global stage.”
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2 – Nairobi Leg is expected to draw regional and global attention, reinforcing Kenya’s ambitions to cement its place as a leading rugby nation and a premier host of international sporting events.
