KCB retain National Sevens Circuit title as Oilers win Christie Sevens

The Bankers were confirmed as overall champions after they and closest rivals Kabras Sugar were eliminated in the semifinals at the RFUEA Grounds, ending the season-long title race.

Menengai Oilers, meanwhile, clinched their first title of the season after beating Strathmore Leos in the Christie Sevens final.

Oilers secured a 24-12 victory, with Glacious Owino opening the scoring before substitute Chrispine Shitundo added two tries to seal the win.

KCB finished the day on a high after beating Kabras Sugar 5-0 in sudden death, with George Ooro scoring the decisive try.

The two sides had been the leading contenders for the overall title throughout the six-leg campaign, but neither featured in the Christie Sevens final.

Strathmore Leos stunned KCB 19-12 in the semifinals after a last-minute penalty try ended the Bankers' hopes of closing the season with another leg victory.

Oilers then defeated an injury-hit Kabras Sugar 20-10 to book their place in the final against Leos.

The final was a departure from the previous five legs, where either KCB or Kabras Sugar had featured, paving the way for a new Christie Sevens champion.

The semifinal results also confirmed KCB as overall circuit champions, with their lead over Kabras Sugar enough to secure a third successive title.

The 2026 circuit opened with the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru before moving to Kisumu for the Dala Sevens, Nairobi for the Kabeberi Sevens, Mombasa for the Driftwood Sevens and Embu for the penultimate leg.

The Christie Sevens brought the season to a close in Nairobi.

The conclusion of the 2026 circuit marks another season of SportPesa investment in the development of rugby in Kenya.

SportPesa invested Ksh34.14 million in the National Sevens Circuit, supporting clubs and players competing across the country.

SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri said the season had showcased the quality and competitiveness of Kenyan rugby.

“The 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit has once again demonstrated the quality, competitiveness and passion that define Kenyan rugby. From the opening leg to the Christie Sevens finale, we have witnessed outstanding performances, fierce rivalries and a level of competition that continues to raise the bar for the sport,” said Karauri.

He also congratulated the participating teams, players, coaches and fans, with particular recognition for Division Two and women's teams that featured in the circuit for the first time.

“We also commend all the participating clubs, players, coaches and fans who have contributed to another successful campaign.

“The success of this year reinforces our belief in the potential of Kenyan sport, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the seasons ahead,” he added.

Overall circuit prize money

Men

• Champions – KCB: Ksh300,000
• Runners-up – Kabras Sugar: Ksh150,000
• Third place – Menengai Oilers: Ksh100,000

Women

• Champions – Mwamba: Ksh200,000
• Runners-up – Quins Queens: Ksh100,000
• Third place – Kiambaa Ladies: Ksh50,000