- Rugby sevens has officially kicked off today at the KSSSA national games in Thika, featuring 32 schools in boys’ and girls’ categories.
- Teams have played opening fixtures this morning, with Upper Hill, Kimobo, Bokoli, Nairobi School, and Itigo among those who have already taken to the field.
- Each school will have competed in two pool matches on day one as the race for quarter-final qualification has gathered momentum.
The rugby sevens competition at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two National Games has officially kicked off today at the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika, bringing together 32 schools in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
The tournament has drawn top rugby-playing schools from across the country, with the pool stage expected to deliver thrilling contests as teams battle for places in the knockout rounds.
In the boys’ championship, Pool A features Bokoli, Upper Hill, Anjego and All Saints Embu. Pool B comprises Kirangari, Nairobi School, St. Anthony’s and Njabini, while Pool C includes Butula, Mutige, Kamuiru and Kwale High. Pool D pits Laiser Hill against Cardinal Otunga-Mosocho, Tononoka and Kitondo.
The girls’ competition has also attracted strong contenders. Pool A brings together Kinale, Kimobo, Gituamba and Muvuti. Rift Valley champions Itigo headline Pool B alongside St. Joseph’s, Sigoti and Mwatate Secondary School. Pool C includes St. Teresa, Gatondo, Nyagichenche and Karen C, while Pool D features Moi Forces Academy, Mbakalo, Karima and Mbagathi Girls.
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Action began at 8:00 a.m. with Upper Hill facing All Saints Embu in the opening boys’ fixture, followed by Kimobo against Muvuti in the first girls’ match at 8:20 a.m. Other notable morning clashes included Bokoli versus Anjego, Nairobi School against Njabini, Kirangari versus St. Anthony’s, Itigo against Sigoti, Butula versus Kamuiru and Laiser Hill against Tononoka.
The afternoon session resumes at 1:20 p.m. with Upper Hill taking on Anjego, before Itigo return to face Mwatate Secondary School at 3:40 p.m. Laiser Hill will meet Kitondo at 6:00 p.m., while Moi Forces Academy close the day against Mbagathi Girls at 6:20 p.m.
Each team is scheduled to play two pool matches on the opening day as the race for quarter-final qualification gathers pace. Rugby sevens is tipped to be one of the most competitive disciplines at this year’s national school games, with traditional powerhouses and emerging teams eager to stamp their authority early in the tournament.
By Jeff Kirui
