Faith Livoi in action for the Lionesses during the 2024 Safari Sevens in Machakos/HANDOUTFrom the Omaido brothers of the 1970s to the Francombes, Simiyus, Kayange and Injera brothers, sibling bonds have long been woven into the country’s rugby story.
Now a new generation is carrying that tradition forward.
Faith Livoi and Dennis Ndayala are carving their own paths in the game, representing Mwamba at the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit and the Kenya Cup, while Brian Ondego plays for the Zetech Oaks in the Circuit and the second tier KRU Championship.
For the three, rugby is a family affair built on competition, sacrifice, encouragement and a shared ambition to reach the top.
Livoi is the most established of the trio, having made a name for herself with Mwamba and the Kenya Lionesses over the past three years.
The 26-year-old was introduced to rugby by her brothers, Brian and Dennis.
“I used to go and watch them playing age-grade rugby and, with time, it became something I genuinely loved. I enjoy the physicality, teamwork, discipline and competitiveness of the game,” she said.
“Having family members who understand rugby is also special because they understand the sacrifices, training and challenges that come with the sport. We can support and motivate each other. Rugby has given us something meaningful to share as a family.”
Livoi joined Mwamba in 2015, attracted by the club’s strong structure and women’s programme.
“At that point in time, Mwamba had a robust women’s programme and, with the club being in the heart of the city, it made training easier for me to join,” she said.
She later attended Star Sheik Secondary School in Athi River and the Kenya Institute of Development Studies. She stepped away from rugby during her studies to concentrate on education.
She returned to Mwamba in 2023 and quickly established herself as a key player, helping the club win four Kenya Cup titles and three national Sevens crowns.
In Sevens, she plays as a forward, while in the 15s, she can operate at centre, lock or in the back row.
“It’s been an exciting journey playing for Mwamba and winning all the awards and championships,” she said.
Rugby has also shaped her beyond the pitch.
“Rugby has taught me a lot about life. It has taught me resilience, commitment, how to work with others and how to keep going even when things are difficult. The more I played, the more passionate I became,” she said.
Her progress earned her a place in the Lionesses, making her Sevens debut during the Challenger Series in Ghana.
“It was a big moment for me because it was an opportunity to represent the country and it’s an honour,” she said.
She made her 15s debut against South Africa in 2023, another landmark moment in her career.
Ondego has also risen through the national ranks. Introduced to rugby by his friend and current Strathmore Leos player Amon Wamalwa in 2010, he played for Muhuri Muchiri School before joining Comras Rugby.
“I have been playing for the last 15 years and it’s a joy to play from age-grade level all the way to the senior team,” Ondego said.
He toured the United Kingdom with the Junior Jumbo team before joining Zetech in 2018. A year later, he moved to Mwamba, where he spent two seasons before returning to Zetech in 2022.
His siblings remain part of his motivation.
“It’s a great feeling meeting my siblings, especially during the Sevens tournaments. We always encourage each other to be better players and better human beings,” he said.
Ondego was capped by Chipu in 2021 and played for Morans at the 2024 Safari Sevens before earning a Shujaa call-up the same year.
His journey has not been without setbacks. Transport costs and an injury a few years ago tested his resolve, but he remains focused on his ultimate goal — securing a professional contract abroad.
Then there is Ndayala, the youngest of the trio and the latest to make his mark. Ondego introduced him to rugby in 2013.
“I was introduced to the game by Brian in 2013 and I loved it from the first time I stepped onto the pitch and played with my peers,” Ndayala said.
He excelled at Menengai High School as a fullback before joining Mwamba in 2023. In Sevens, he is a utility player capable of featuring at fly-half, centre or wing.
His breakthrough moment came in the Eric Shirley Shield against Quins, where he scored a hat-trick.
“It was a sweet occasion. I had just come from high school and was playing against experienced players. To score was amazing and it boosted my confidence,” he said.
Ndayala was recently part of the Chipu side that won the Barthes Cup in Uganda after beating Namibia and Zimbabwe. He credits his siblings for helping shape his ambitions.
“Rugby is such a big part of our family. We often compare notes when we meet and, as the youngest, I look up to them for advice,” he said.
For now, his sights are set on building on the Barthes Cup success, with the Simbas and Shujaa firmly in his long-term plans.
“My journey has just started and I intend to work hard, improve my skills and be selected for the team.”
