Africa Women’s 7s Cup: Sports CS Mvurya urges Kenyans to turn out, expresses confidence in the Lionesses

The continental rugby showpiece will be held at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, bringing together the best women’s rugby talent from across Africa.

During the official tournament launch on Thursday, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya described the event as a historic moment for the country and a powerful symbol of Kenya’s growing influence in African rugby.

"Today is a very special day. We are here to make history,” said Mvurya. “Our Lionesses have been doing very well, and on Saturday and Sunday, we will be here to cheer them on. I invite all Kenyans to come out in large numbers and support our team — they are playing to win, and we believe they will deliver.”

The 2025 edition of the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup will feature 12 countries, making it one of the most competitive tournaments in the event’s history.

Kenya last hosted the championship in 2014, and Mvurya noted that this year’s return marks a renewed commitment to growing women’s rugby in the country and across the region.

"When the Lionesses play, they represent 55 million Kenyans,” he said. “This weekend will be thrilling, and we are proud to be hosting an international event of this magnitude.

“I want to thank our sponsors for standing with the team — the government cannot do it alone.”

Mvurya also highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure, pointing to the Talanta City Stadium project — a modern 60,000-seater venue nearing completion — as part of President William Ruto’s sports legacy program.

"Next year, when you come for such an event, we will not be playing here. We’ll be in a brand-new stadium,” Mvurya noted.

“The government of Kenya has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure our athletes have the best environment to train and compete.”

The Sports CS reaffirmed that hosting the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup underscores Kenya’s leadership role in promoting rugby across the continent, especially in women’s sports.

“Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of women’s rugby — fostering regional partnerships and setting new benchmarks for excellence and inclusion,” he said.

The Kenya Lionesses, who have consistently ranked among Africa’s top rugby sevens sides, will be aiming to capitalize on home advantage to lift the title.

“This is a special weekend for the Lionesses and all Kenyans,” Mvurya concluded. “We pushed to host this tournament because we want to win at home. So please, come out and cheer our girls — let’s make it a reality.”

On his part, Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, expressed his confidence in Kenya's rugby potential, affirming his faith in the Kenyan government's efforts to support the game and propel it to greater heights. 

"We have full confidence in the government and the leadership of Kenya rugby union. These are the people we trust and work with, and together we’re committed to supporting the growth of Kenya Rugby. Kenya has the passion, the talent, and the global support to become one of the greatest rugby nations in the world through Rugby and not from football," he stated. 

The Africa Women’s Sevens Cup kicks off this Saturday at the RFUEA Grounds, with matches continuing through Sunday, as Kenya seeks to reclaim continental glory on home soil.

The Africa Women’s Sevens Cup has grown significantly since its humble beginnings.

First held in 2004 in Tunisia with only Northern African teams participating, it has blossomed into one of the continent’s premier rugby tournaments, showcasing the incredible rise of the women’s game across Africa.

The Cup has been instrumental in providing African nations with pathways to global platforms like the Olympics and the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series.