KCB celebrate after winning the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit/HANDOUT
KCB Rugby coach Andrew Amonde hailed his players’ consistency after the Bankers retained the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title despite a semifinal defeat at the Christie Sevens in Nairobi on Sunday.
KCB finished top of the six-leg circuit with 115 points, six ahead of Kabras Sugar, to successfully defend the crown they won last year.
“Winning the National 7s Circuit is never easy, and defending the title makes this achievement even more special. The players have shown tremendous commitment, discipline and consistency throughout the season,” said Amonde.
“We had our challenges along the way, but the team remained focused on the bigger objective, which was to retain the overall title.”
KCB player Nygel Amaitsa said the championship was a reward for the squad's collective effort throughout a demanding campaign.
“This has been a demanding circuit, and every team came prepared to compete. For us, the focus was always to remain consistent and collect as many points as possible in every tournament,” said Amaitsa.
“To finish as champions and successfully defend our title is a proud moment for the entire team and the KCB family.”
The bankers won three legs — the Prinsloo, Kabeberi and Embu Sevens — before finishing third at Christie.
They began their final tournament with a 31-5 quarter-final win over NYS Spades, with Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati and Amaitsa scoring tries while Bob Muhati crossed twice.
Their campaign ended in the semifinals when Strathmore Leos staged a late fightback to win 19-12. Arnold Muita and Collins Maina scored for Leos before a last-minute penalty try sealed the victory.
Austin Sikutwa and Festus Shiasi replied for KCB.KCB recovered to beat Kabras Sugar 5-0 in the bronze-medal match, George Ooro scoring the decisive try in sudden death.
Menengai Oilers claimed the Christie title after beating Kabras 20-10 in the semifinals before overcoming Leos 24-12 in the final.Glacious Owino scored twice against Kabras, with Vernon Kaburu and Paul Mutsami adding the other tries.
Jackson Siketa and Derrick Ashiundu replied for the Sugarmillers in a match that was level 10-10 at half-time.
Oilers led Leos 10-5 at the break before Kaburu, Owino, Mutsami and Chrispine Shitundo scored to secure a four-tries-to-two victory.Kabras finished second overall on 107 points, with Oilers third.
The Christie Sevens brought the curtain down on a circuit that also featured legs in Nakuru, Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa and Embu.
KCB earned Sh300,000 in overall men's prize money, Kabras Sh150,000 and Oilers Sh100,000. Mwamba won the women's overall title, followed by Quins Queens and Kiambaa Ladies.
The 2026 circuit was backed by SportPesa through a Sh34.14 million investment, with Division Two and women's teams featuring for the first time.
