KBL MD Andrew Kilonzo, KRU CEO Thomas Odundo, KRU Chairperson Hariett Okach, EABL Commercial Director Yvonne Mwangi, and EABL Marketing and Innovations Director Mark Migusha / HANDOUT 

The Kenya Rugby Union has received a timely boost of Sh40 million from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, as the country prepares to host a World Rugby Sevens international for the first time.

The tournament will take place on February 14–15 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, making Kenya only the second African nation, after South Africa, to host a World Rugby Sevens event.

It also positions the capital as the opening stop of the HSBC SVNS 2 series, firmly placing the country on the global rugby map.

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Tusker’s sponsorship package includes Sh20 million in direct cash support to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) for tournament delivery and operational costs. An additional Sh12 million has been earmarked for experiential fan engagement, while Sh8 million has been allocated to publicity and promotion, bringing the total commitment to Sh40 million.

KBL Head of Mainstream Beer Christine Kariuki said the partnership reflects Tusker’s long-standing association with rugby and the sport’s ability to unite Kenyans across different backgrounds.

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“Rugby has a unique way of bringing Kenyans together across generations, across communities and across borders. Hosting the HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi is a celebration of that journey and how far the game has come,” Kariuki said.

She added: “We believe in bringing people together so we can each stand tall, and this is one of those moments. We are proud to come on board and support this historic tournament.”

The HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi will feature elite international competition in both the men’s and women’s divisions, with Kenya’s Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses set to compete on home soil against top global opponents.

The tournament forms part of World Rugby’s newly introduced three-tier global Sevens structure, designed to provide clearer progression pathways while ensuring full gender parity at every event.

Kariuki noted that Tusker’s involvement goes beyond brand visibility, placing strong emphasis on delivering a world-class experience for fans while supporting the long-term growth of the sport locally.

“Our support is about helping create an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. From matchday operations to fan engagement, we want Kenyans to feel proud of what we can deliver when the world comes to our home,” she said.

KRU chairlady Harriet Okatch welcomed the sponsorship, describing strong corporate partnerships as critical to the successful hosting of major international sporting events.

Tickets for the HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi will be available via TikoHub before the series moves to Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 21–22 and concludes in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 28–29.

At the end of the series, the top four teams overall will earn promotion to the SVNS World Championship and a shot at Division One status for the 2027 SVNS campaign.