AH KENYA EEEEH… AAAH KENYAA AAAH!!
For years, the Kenya Corner has become a fan favourite across the world of sevens rugby. It is where the true vibe lives and never fades, where the Kayumbet is unfiltered, loud, and from deep within, where the Sherehe starts and ends, it is where you want to be!
Now, having taken over the world, from Hong Kong, Dubai, Vegas, Perth, Vancouver, Wellington, Singapore, to Cape Town, it is time for the homecoming! Kenya Corner is finally home!
It has been a long time coming, a journey that started as far back as the first Safari Sevens in 1995, the dream has always been to host the World Series in Kenya, to watch our sides play in front of us, not on TV. As far back as when we announced our arrival to the world of rugby sevens with the Watembezi Pace setters in the 1982 Dubai Sevens, the 90s at Singapore, the Middlesex Sevens, to the Commonwealth games.
The 2000s, at the Sevens World Cups, a first cup final in Adelaide, to the 2010s, culminating with that win in Singapore, and the rise of the Sevens Lionesses, to this day, the dream has always been to watch our beloved Kenya teams take on the world on home soil, on 14th and 15th of February, that dream comes true!
But what does it really mean for us to host this tournament, to help us answer this question, we reached out to several people who have been part of the journey, experienced it in their own way, we asked them, what it means to them to see this dream come true!
Richard Omwela – Kenya Rugby Union Chairman (2003-2011, 2015-2019)
First up is Richard Omwela, former chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union, when the dream started gathering momentum.
It is a dream come true and a validation of the potential we always knew we had. For years, we lobbied World Rugby to bring the series to Nairobi. We used the Safari Sevens as a proof of concept to show that we could host world-class events.
What is your fondest memory of Kenya at the World Sevens stage?
I have had the honour of being part of many moments with the Kenya Sevens as chairman, but my fondest memory has to be the 2016 Singapore Sevens. It was a historic moment that I will never forget. Seeing the boys, led by the late Benjamin Ayimba, dismantle Fiji 30-7 in the final was the culmination of years of hard work, belief, and persistence. I remember some questioning my decision to bring back Ayimba, but that victory proved that with the right leadership and belief in local talent, Kenya can beat anyone in the world. Seeing the Kenyan flag raised and hearing our national anthem play as champions on the global stage was a proud moment for me as Chairman and for the entire nation.
Have you ever experienced the Kenya corner while on tour, what was it like?
Yes, many times! Whether it was in London, Hong Kong, or Las Vegas, the “Kenya Corner” is a phenomenon like no other. It’s more than just a section of the stands; it’s a vibrant, pulsating piece of Kenya exported abroad. The energy is infectious, the singing, the dancing, the colorful jerseys, and the sheer passion of the fans. I remember being in the stands and feeling that even when the team was down, the fans never stopped cheering. They truly are our “13th player.” It’s a space where the diaspora unites, and for a few days, the stadium feels like home.
What does it mean for you that Kenya is finally hosting a leg of the World series?
It is a dream come true and a validation of the potential we always knew we had. For years, we lobbied World Rugby to bring the series to Nairobi. We used the Safari Sevens as a proof of concept to show that we could host world-class events. To finally see a HSBC SVNS leg at Nyayo Stadium is a massive milestone. It puts Kenya on the global map as a premier sporting destination and provides a huge boost to our local players who finally get to play in front of their home crowd in a tournament of this magnitude. It’s a legacy moment for the sport in Kenya.
What are you looking forward to the most at Nyayo?
I am looking forward to seeing that “Kenya Corner” energy amplified by thousands of fans on home soil. Seeing the sea of red, black, and green at Nyayo Stadium will be spectacular. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, the unique Kenyan “vibe” that we’ve taken to the world, now being showcased right here in Nairobi. I want to see the young kids in the stands inspired by seeing their heroes up close, knowing that one day they too can represent Shujaa or the Lionesses on this very turf. It’s going to be an emotional and proud weekend for all of us.
The icing on the cake will definitely be both Shujaa and Lionesses winning the main cup trophies!
Bill Githinji – Kenya Sevens Head Coach (2000 – 2005)
Simply put, I feel it’s 15 years too late…
Next is the man who coached the Kenya sevens in the early 2000’s at that first World Cup, Chesco Bill Githinji
On his fondest memory, “Getting to our first cup quarter final in 2002 in SA, which was also on my 35th birthday. What a feeling it was and what a birthday present!
Apparently, Bill has never experienced the Kenya Corner…
“Unfortunately, not in most of the places with most Kenyan fans, we either were in a plate final or bowl final. There was little time to go join the fans while in the mix. We did meet up with them later on mostly at the Sherehe…and we had proper fun!”
On what it means to him, for Kenya to host a leg of the World Sevens Series…
“Simply put, I feel it’s 15 years too late. Just like we have never had a referee at the World Series. We have finally got it and hope other developments will come through as well.”
On what he is looking forward to at Nyayo, Bill was one of those who was caught up without a ticket…
“I’m not sure really, but as we speak, I have no tickets for the greatest rugby event to take part in Kenya. Also, I Hope World Rugby can go back to the 16-team format, and that we host one of the legs…” (Don’t worry chesco, ukona VIP Ticket!)
Felix ‘Totti’ Ochieng – Former Kenya 7s Player, Assistant Coach (2009-2014), Head Coach (2014/15)
It’s massive, honestly priceless. The players finally get to run out for a HSBC Series at home in front of their own families, friends and their own fans, that’s history right there.
Next, a man, who has given over 20 years of service to the Kenya sevens in his towering figure, both as player, assistant coach and eventually coach, Felix “Totti” Ochieng…
His fondest memory as player and coach?
“As a player, hands down my first try, circa 2001, against Namibia in the South Africa leg. The moment I scored wearing the Kenyan colours, that feeling never leaves you.
Then 2004, in New Zealand, we edged France in the Plate competition. That one really made people sit up and say, “Okay, Kenya’s for real.”
Coaching-wise, Adelaide 2009 with Benjamin Ayimba takes it. We shocked South Africa by one point in the pool stage, beat Wales and Argentina, to make our first-ever cup final, which we lost to SA, but we finished 6th overall that year, our highest ever, with Collins Injera topping the try-scoring charts. Unreal!
The other one that hits different is 2014–15 as head of the program. We were hanging on by our fingernails to retain our core status, no glamour, just survival. We made it, and honestly, the best part was watching the boys go on and win Singapore in 2016, our first tournament title the very next year. I was just grinning from the sidelines knowing how far we’ve come.”
On his Kenya corner experience…
“Oh yeah mostly from the touchline, but you feel every bit of it! When I was playing, the Kenya Corner was like having an extra player, the noise, flags, that non-stop singing, suddenly you’re not playing away anymore. Our biggest wins and upsets always had Kenya corner behind us!
As coach, it went deeper. It wasn’t only during the game, the love, the messages, the belief kept coming even after full-time. Every tournament started feeling like a home fixture. When you’re the one making the hard calls, that kind of real support from your people, it means everything.”
For what it means for Kenya to finally host a leg of the World Series…
“It’s massive, honestly priceless. The players finally get to run out for a HSBC Series at home in front of their own families, friends and their own fans, that’s history right there.
For the Kenya Rugby Union it’s a huge vote of confidence: “You can host the world and do it properly.” That opens doors going forward. And for everyone else? It’s going to be wild, energetic, exciting, noise, passionate Kenya loyalty, the full package. Kenya is showing the rugby world and sporting fraternity that as a sporting destination, we have what it takes,
The silent but massive, is seeing the economic impact, however small and opportunities it provides for suppliers, vendors and all stakeholders and partners whose support will be worth the while!
So what is Totti looking forward to at Nyayo?
“Looking forward to the games and just seeing Shujaa and Lionesses go hard in front of a home crowd under the World Series banner, that’s been waiting forever. But real talk, watching the Lionesses run out at Nyayo in their pursuit for excellence, that’s going to give us all goosebumps.
Then there’s the rest: the buzz in the Rugby Village, the entertainment which promises to be epic, bumping into old mates, laughing, catching up. It’s been a long time coming Nyayo is about to be something special!”
Lavin Asego – Former Kenya Sevens Player
Next up, the first Kenyan player to hit 1,000 points, the maestro, Lavin Asego!
By the end of that game, there were Kenyan flags in the stands. I still don’t know where they found them!
“One of my fondest memories was beating Australia at our very first Wellington Sevens, because of the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, we became instant favourites, after beating the Wallabies. By the end of that game, there were Kenyan flags in the stands. I still don’t know where they found them”
We are sure that Lavin has experienced the Kenya Corner, “I have experienced the Kenya Corner at the Las Vegas leg of the World Series. It’s a pretty amazing experience of patriotism and full sherehe. You have fans from other teams joining in. It’s the place to be really!
On what it means to host a leg of the sevens series… “It is a pretty big step for Kenya and Kenyan rugby. It’s an opportunity to show the world what we have to offer. We get this right, and who knows, once we are back to the top flight, we might get another leg of the World Series.”
Finally, what is Lavin looking forward to at Nyayo (apart from the sherehe?) “I am looking forward to watching top-flight rugby. With the quality of teams coming for the tournament we are guaranteed to witness end-to-end action on the pitch. And of course I’m also looking forward to the sherehe afterwards. Responsibly, of course!”
Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu – Fromer Kenya Sevens player and Head Coach (2016-2018, 2020-2022)
The atmosphere. A fully packed Nyayo Stadium, unified in voice and purpose, chanting “Let’s go Kenya
Up next, the guy they call ‘Toto’, he has done it as player and coach, Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu…
His highlight as Kenya sevens coach? “As a coach, reaching back-to-back World Sevens finals, specifically in Hong Kong and Vancouver, those two stand out as a defining achievement. As a player, defeating England for the first time on the World Sevens Series in South Africa remains a landmark moment, both personally and for Kenyan rugby.
On his Kenya Corner experience…
“The Kenya corner is a unique and powerful experience. The energy, passion, and unwavering support make it feel as though you are playing at home, right in the heart of Nairobi, regardless of where the tournament is hosted.”
On what it means for Kenya to host a leg of the World Series…
“This represents a significant step in the right direction for Kenyan rugby. Hosting a World Series leg creates a strong platform that will benefit both current and future generations of players, provided we fully capitalize on the opportunity.”
At Nyayo, what will Namcos be looking forward to?
“The atmosphere. A fully packed Nyayo Stadium, unified in voice and purpose, chanting “Let’s go Kenya,” will be a defining and unforgettable experience.”
The Kenya sevens journey can not be told without the Lionesses, our pride and joy, who started sometime in 2007, with no kit, borrowing the men’s kit, a few tournaments here and there, to winning the Challenger series last year. Who better to tell this story, and what it means, than our captain, oh captain, my captain, Philadelphia Olando!
Philadelphia Olando (Former Kenya Lionesses Captain)
Kenyans are real deal when it comes to supporting and cheering Team Kenya.
Her fondest memory goes back to the Commonwealth Games in 2018 at the Robina Stadium, Gold Coast, when the Lionesses beat South Africa 19-10, with tries from herself, Celestine Masinde and Janet Okello, in her words, “We showed great character…”
Her Kenya Corner experience… “My first Kenya corner was in Hong Kong 7s 2025, as a fan, and it was amazing. Kenyans are real deal when it comes to supporting and cheering Team Kenya.”
On what it means for Kenya to host a leg of the world sevens series, “To be honest this is a huge event for KRU and East Africa as a whole, especially to the players who put their bodies on the line for the nation, for the first time their families will be able to watch them live, not forgetting our supporters who travel all over the world to support our players.”
Finally, even though she won’t be at Nyayo, but from Dubai, Philla will be looking forward to, “Hosting this event is huge, so making it successful is our duty as a union and country. Here’s to seeing a stellar home performance from our players, both the Lionesses and Shujaa!”
We have heard from a chairman, coaches and players, but what does it mean for the fans? First up, a man who supported Kenya sevens from as long as I can remember, Mr. Facebook, mpishi na mchomaji wa nyama, Stephen ‘Syoks’ Musyoka…
Stephen ‘Syoks’ Musyoka (Kenya Sevens Fan)
There’s nothing more annoyingly beautiful than walking with that Kenyan flag all over the stadium, everyone recognises it as the Kenyan fans!
First up, his fondest memory of Kenya at the World Series, “Singapore 7s… with the two classes of Injeras and Odongos, something about these players when they get to a certain stage, they put their hearts and everything in it!”
He has been part of the Kenya Corner, both home and away, but what is his fondest memory of them all?
“Cape Town 7s in 2024, first time watching Bling coach the lads “live live” Kenya corner is a magnet on its own, all those odieros come to that corner, the cameraman is always locked on the fans corner each time we score a try. There’s nothing more annoyingly beautiful than walking with that Kenyan flag all over the stadium, everyone recognises it as the Kenyan fans!”
On what it means for us to host a leg of the World Series, “Is this the rebirth of Safari 7s?
I’ve had people asking me for tickets, there’s so much hype around this tournament. When was the last time we sold out a 7s tournament back here? The home support means everything to the boys and girls! Also when was the last time we had both the boys and girls play together in a major tournament? That a side Kenya has a chance to show the rest of the world more beyond sports, the teams coming here, will be enjoying more than just sports, the dunda, the beautiful chaos, the fans kwa stadium, everything!”
From the stands, what will Syoks be looking forward to?
“The Kenya boys and girls finishing top… I know it’s a long call Lakini Mungu wetu ni wa Ajabu!”
“I’m looking forward to the madness at the Kenya corner, the singing, the cheering, the stadium full of black, red and green, the cheers each time we shout TRY TIME SHUJAA/LIONESSES on the stadium microphone!”
After Syoks, we probably need a breather here… breathe in, and oouuttt!
Next patient, a man who has been part of this Kenya sevens journey for some time, he was part of that legendary Singapore winning side, as assistant coach, none other than the coach for me and you, Paul Amunavi Murunga!
Paul ‘Pau’ Murunga – Former Kenya Sevens Assistant Coach (2016), Head Coach (2018-2019)
His fondest memory of Kenya at the World Series probably goes without saying, “Winning Singapore 7s as assistant Coach and witnessing Collins Injera becoming HSBC world Top Try Scorer!”
Has he ever experienced the Kenya Corner? “Yes, multiple times, but Vegas in 2016, after we beat New Zealand 22-0, the Kenyan Corner was lit, it was absolute madness!”
On what it means for Kenya to host the World Series, “I am proud to witness Kenya host the tournament. I never thought that we could host such a prestigious tournament, it really is a proud moment for us all!”
What will Pau be looking forward to at the Nyayo Stadium? He summarises it into four;
One, “Both Shujaa and Lionesses win this first leg at home, for the fans to show up and fill Nyayo Stadium. Kenya Corner is the entire stadium!”
“That we appreciate the Singapore Heroes, it has been 10 years since we won, a showcase of the trophy once more to the country, at home and to the World, would be great. Finally, an appreciation to all former players and management who played a part in placing Kenya on the world map of rugby, as we also appreciate the Late Coach Benjamin Ayimba!”
Pau has set the stage for 2016, and we had the privilege of talking to two of the players who played in that final, first up, Africa’s all-time top try scorer at the World Series, third in the world, Mr 279, yes, the guy who signed the camera, Papa Locole, Collins Injera…
Collins Injera – Fiji Rugby Hall Of Famer
I hope in Nairobi, that I will be part of the Kenya Corner, as a fan, which will be the whole stadium, I can’t wait!
His fondest memory for Kenya at the World Series…”First up would definitely be Singapore, that win in 2016 was special, as a team we achieved the pinnacle of sevens rugby. On a personal level, breaking that world try scoring record in London was special, also breaking the 200 mark, where I signed the camera lens, that was special hehehehe!”
“I also must mention the 2009 season, with the World Cup semi-finals in Dubai and making it to our first cup final ever in Adelaide!”
On his Kenya Corner memories, “Definitely, Kenya Corner ndio tour, I have experienced it as a player, it is always a buzz, and always amazing, the energy they bring, whether we are winning or losing, they are always with us, there are games we won, just because of them, the support and the love they bring has always been amazing. Kenya Corner has become a bucket list item for all Sevens rugby fans. You want to experience it!”
“I hope in Nairobi, that I will be part of the Kenya Corner, as a fan, which will be the whole stadium, I can’t wait!”
“For Kenya to host such a tournament, it shows the confidence that World Rugby has in us and the growth of the sport; it is a big statement both for us and our players. It will help the game grow, especially in Kenya. Players having an opportunity to play in such a big tournament at home will be a game changer, we always want to play at home; while the Safari sevens has been it, this is the next level!”
“I am looking forward to a packed Nyayo Stadium, Kenyans supporting their teams, it will be great for the players to get this kind of environment, it is a special feeling. I am looking forward to supporting the Shujaa and Lionesses, hoping they can do their best, I know if they do their best, they will get the win! It has been a while since we had a sold out crowd, last time out was probably 2013 in Kasarani, and I am looking forward to joining the crowd to support our teams.”
Who else to close the 2016 winning team than Simba Number moja, oh captain, my captain, Kenya Rugby’s number one, Andrew “Asusu” Amonde!
Andrew Noel Amonde – Former Kenya Sevens Captain, current S&C
It is also a huge moment for the upcoming youth, a chance to learn, to be inspired, and to feel motivated about rugby sevens by watching the best in the world up close.
“Some of my fondest memories of Kenya on the World Sevens stage include winning the Singapore Sevens in 2016, a truly historic moment for Shujaa. I also cherish being part of and leading the exciting team that qualified to play at the Olympics in the same year.”
“Another special highlight was working with elite coaches like Paul True and Mike Friday. Above all, representing the Kenya 7s, now Shujaa, for over 15 years, it has been an unforgettable journey filled with pride and passion.”
On his Kenya Corner experience…
“Yes, I have been lucky enough to experience the Kenya Corner while on tour, and it is truly something special. Having such a big fan base travel and show up in numbers has played a major role in motivating and encouraging the Shujaa. Their energy, songs, flags, and nonstop support create an atmosphere that feels like home, even in the biggest tournaments on the World Rugby Sevens Series. It’s more than just cheering; it’s a powerful reminder of who we represent, and it pushes the team to give that extra effort on the field.”
So what does it mean for Kenya to host this tournament, in the eyes of Kenya 1? “This is a massive opportunity for Kenya. First of all, it gives Kenyans the chance to host the top teams on the World Rugby Sevens circuit right here at home. It’s also a huge moment for the upcoming youth, it is a chance for them to learn, to be inspired, and to feel motivated about rugby sevens by watching the best in the world up close.”
“For us as a team, it’s a special opportunity to showcase our rugby brand globally and to run out onto the field in our own backyard, in front of our people, and display our skills with pride. Beyond rugby, it’s also a great platform to promote Kenya as a world-class tourist destination. Hosting a leg of the series puts our country on the global stage in a unique way.”
“And lastly, it gives Shujaa and the Lionesses a real advantage to start the series strongly at home and collect maximum points before we begin the long travel on the circuit. Playing in front of our fans, with that home energy behind us, can set the tone for the entire season.”
Simba One looks forward to… “I’m really looking forward to seeing Nyayo Stadium filled with Kenyans turning up in full support. The energy and motivation from the fans, families, the state, and our sponsors will be massive. Most importantly, I’m excited for Shujaa and the Lionessesto deliver a successful outcome at home.”
From one leader to another, the Lionesses could not have asked for a better team manager than Camilyne Oyuoayo, a proper servant leader of the game, from being part of the first Lionesses side to play at the Sevens series, to now being the Team Manager of the first Kenya Lionesses side to play a leg of the World Sevens Series at home…
Camilyne Oyuayo – Former Kenya Lionesses Player and Current Team Manager
I’ve always wished to have a leg back at home because we have a lot of fans here who are unable to travel the world to watch the teams play. Finally, they have a chance to experience first-class and world-class rugby.
Her favourite memories at the World Series, “Our initial run outs at the world stage, we put in the big hits, hard runs, and aggression that made a statement across the world that the Lionesses are here, the celebrations, especially when we got a win over the big teams was special!”
Cami’s Kenya corner experience is something special.
“Yes, I have experienced the Kenya corner, it is a place full of love and pride for the country. It is where Kenyans showcase unity, brought together by a common purpose, rugby, from every tribe, colour and race as long as it is for Kenya!
On what it means for her fot Kenya to host a leg of the World Series…
“I’ve always wished to have a leg back at home because we have a lot of fans here who are unable to travel the world to watch the teams play. Finally, they have a chance to experience first-class and world-class rugby. For me, it is an answered prayer, a privilege and an honour, that I get to be part of the team that will play in the first ever world series event hosted at home.”
On what she is looking forward to at Nyayo… “I am looking forward to wins for my team, the Lionesses, as well as Shujaa, and overall some thrilling rugby. I am also looking forward to the fans, my family and friends, having fun and enjoying some good rugby, most of all I am looking forward to the cheers and support, this time not from a section of the stadium but the whole of it!”
The Lionesses and now, the Shujaa story, cannot be told without mentioning one, Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua, a sevens player in his days, for both Mwamba and Daystar, now a coach par excellence, for both national teams. Yes, we also caught up with him…
Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua – Former Lionesses Head Coach and Current Kenya Sevens Head Coach
It’s awesome, the fan experience, playing at home, representing the 50 plus million Kenyans as they cheer us on, there is no better feeling!
His most memorable moment for the Shujaa at the World Series…
“It has to be the end of last season series where we got to the cup final against Fiji. I really enjoyed that one, it showed that if you trust the process and work hard for each other, anything is possible. Other few mentions include beating Germany to qualify for 2024/25 series, and in Dubai beating South Africa with 10 new players who had never played at that level before. Amaitsa’s drop kick to take us to Cup Semi finals in Singapore is also up there, then the comeback win against Australia in Cape Town, there are many, but these are some of the best.”
On his Kenya Corner experience… “Perth was amazing! The fans took over the stadium, and they pushed and supported us in all the games, later on they organized ugali and Choma after the tournament, that really felt good! In LA, for the SVNS 2 play-offs, the fans came in great numbers to support both Shujaa and Lionesses and hosted us for a dinner afterwards, those are some good memories.”
On what it means for Kenya to host a leg of the sevens series, “It’s awesome, the fan experience, playing at home, representing the 50 million plus Kenyans as they cheer us on, there is no better feeling. Also, the brand visibility and with good performances, hopefully we can rope in more sponsors to help grow the game.”
Bling is looking forward to three things at Nyayo, “Shujaa and Lioness making their fans proud, Home support and more importantly, playing with pride and entertaining all our fans, family and sponsors, and inspiring the next generation of players.”
Speaking of Ugali and Nyama Choma, we go back to the fans, there have been few who have walked this Kenya Sevens journey, like one George Mokuasi, himself an Ugali connoisseur…
George Mokuasi – Kenya Sevens Fan
Not to brag, but we were the pioneers of Kenya Corner, every time Kenya travelled, we would create a space where we would just sing and cheer for the team, party and have a good time…
“I have a lot of memories of Kenya at the World Series, but a few come to mind, Kenya playing for the first time in LA, not many people knew about it, but we went there and cheered Kenya on. Despite the results, we had fun. Another moment was when we beat New Zealand in San Diego for the first time, it was a proper milestone for the team and the fans. Finally, it has to be winning that Singapore 7s title, that was the greatest!”
On his Kenya Corner Experience…
“Not to brag, but we were the pioneers of Kenya Corner, every time Kenya travelled, we would create a space where we would just sing and cheer for the team, party and have a good time, and it became an experience that everyone wanted to be part of, now that it is coming to Kenya, it will be a big one!”
“For us to have the opportunity to host a leg of the World Series is a big thing, to have the entire stadium being Kenya Corner, is something you don’t want to miss. Some of us are flying in just to experience Kenya Corner at home, supporting the Shujaa and Lionesses on home soil, with that energy that only Kenya can deliver, it will be special.”
“I am looking forward to Kenyans flocking into the Nyayo Stadium, seeing as we have sold it out, seeing Kenyans experience what some of us have travelled thousands of miles to experience, from Australia. Singapore, Hong Kong, to finally see this at home, experiencing the village, will be something special. Seeing Kenya beat USA will be it for me!”
We can’t talk about Kenya sevens fans, without mentioning daktari Konye Wa Njoroge…
Konye Wa Njoroge – Kenya Sevens Fan
Its just vibes,singing, cheering, and having a good time watching the sport we love!
His fondest memories of Kenya at the World series, “Of the recent past was Kenya beating Spain in Singapore in 2024/25 and advancing to a final against Fiji. On TV, it has to be the gold medal win in Singapore 2016.”
If he were to summarise the Kenya Corner experience, it would be… “Its just vibes, singing, cheering, and having a good time watching the sport we love!”
So, what has been his favourite Kenya Corner experience? “Historically, it used to be Las Vegas, but we have had great experiences in Munich, Germany, while on Challenger Series, Perth, Australia and Los Angeles in 2025, but I would say Perth ’25 tops the list!”
Konye travels to the ends of the world to support the Kenya teams, so we sought to find out how he does it, “Once the calender is posted, we start looking for means to make it to the destinations, flights, tickets, then look for other fans who will be travelling to figure out stadium sitting situations which can be challenging at times, but we always look for a Kenyan flag flying in the stadium and gravitate towards it!”
Sounds simple, no? Anyway, what does it mean for Konye, for Kenya, to host a leg of the World Series?
“It really is a dream come true, we’ve had such discussions for years regarding the sports’ die-hard fans, with the World Rugby officials, and we’ve tried painting a picture of how it would be. So this is a great time to showcase what we have!”
So what is doktari looking forward to? “I would love to see the stadium full, the 15,000+ fans in the stands. For context, the Hong Kong 7s packs up to the maximum, and everyone has a good time. It definitely would put Kenya on the map as a big rugby destination.”
“With the current ticket sales, we are expecting 15k fans, that will be a good start, but we needed to shoot for higher numbers to leave a mark. Some doors only open once, and you have to showcase your best to have more chances. Kenya Corner is Home, finally after many years! Kenya to the World!”
We started with a chairman, and it is only fitting that we close with another, the man, the legend, the Walker Texas Ranger… Chairman Mwangi Muthee!
Mwangi Muthee – Kenya Rugby Union Chairman (2011-2014)
It’s a loud, colourful, and rhythmic expression of “Kenyan-ness”. When you are thousands of miles from home, and you walk into a stadium to hear Kenyan songs and smell familiar food, it reminds you why we worked so hard at the Union level, it was for them!
What is your fondest memory of Kenya at the World Sevens stage?
My fondest memory was witnessing the sheer resilience of our players as they transitioned from amateurism into world-class professionals. During my tenure as Chairman, I saw the team reach the Rugby Sevens World Cup semi-finals, in 2013, (was it not for the unexpected Moscow rain, in the middle of summer, that delayed the match for over an hour, while Kenya was leading England, the results would have been different) the Cup final at the World Sevens Series, Wellington 2013. These were all testament to the structures we were putting in place, our plan was for the team to peak during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Beyond the results, it was the respect Kenya earned. I remember the pride of seeing our local boys standing tall, shoulder-to-shoulder against giants of the game, such as New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji, proving that Kenya was not just a participant, but a genuine contender on the global stage.
Have you ever experienced the Kenya corner while on tour, what was it like?
Absolutely! The “Kenya Corner” was always the soul of every tournament, and today with Kenya’s absence, the world rugby stage is poorer in entertainment on the pitch and the experience in the stands. Kenya set the trend and standard of team support, with the original Kenyan chants now being emulated in football, cricket and tennis. I’ve experienced the Kenyan corner in many cities across the world, but what stands out is the love and energy. A carnival that followed the team everywhere, in the stands and realising that the fans were not just there for the game, they were there for each other and for the country. It’s a loud, colourful, and rhythmic expression of “Kenyan-ness”. When you are thousands of miles from home, and you walk into a stadium to hear Kenyan songs and smell familiar food, it reminds you why we worked so hard at the Union level, it was for them!
What does it mean for you that Kenya is finally hosting a leg of the World Series?
It is a dream come true. During my time as chairman, we fought incredibly hard to bring the World Series to Nairobi. We placed a very strong bid for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, at IRB HQ in Dublin, backed by our sponsors Safaricom, KQ, Tusker and a government guarantee signed by the President himself. We used the success of the Safari Sevens, showcasing its massive commercial viability and sporting potential at the Kasarani Stadium. Unfortunately, the tragic Westgate terrorist attack, on a Safari Sevens Saturday put a halt to Kenya’s ambitious plans. We never lost hope though, and seeing it finally happen at Nyayo Stadium leaves me very satisfied indeed. It’s a new beginning for the Kenya rugby journey. However, we should not forget what derailed us in the past, especially security. This is a great opportunity for rugby renewal to Kenya and Africa, while opening a new frontier for World Rugby. All hands on deck!
What are you looking forward to the most at Nyayo?
I am looking forward to the ‘homecoming’ of the Safari Sevens spirit within the World Series context. The Safari Sevens was always a festival that united the city and the country, we need to see that same magic reignited at Nyayo. I’m looking forward to seeing young rugby players from around the globe finally experience the heat and the roar of a Kenya crowd on our own turf, and our hospitality and warmth off the pitch. The true Kenyan experience.
Above all, a tribute and the validation of our fans; the ones who always travelled the world with the team, to finally be given the chance to host the world, at home in Nairobi. Truly a full circle moment. A historic celebration of the spirit of rugby.
Who am I to add anything to what these fine ladies and gentlemen have said, so whether you will be at Nyayo, around Nairobi, Kenya or across the globe, I hope that at some point this weekend, you will take a moment to appreciate and celebrate that, Kenya Corner Is Home!
KWISHA… Nimeruka Nje!!!
