In a jubilant ceremony on Wednesday evening, the Kenya Shujaa rugby team received a significant reward from the government for their triumphant return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, presented a check for Ksh 5.7 million to honour the team's outstanding achievement.
Each member of the squad, including the coaching staff, will receive Ksh 300,000.
Namwamba, in his speech during the dinner event, expressed his admiration for the Shujaa team's performance, calling it the best gift Kenya could have received for its 61st Madaraka Day.
“You gave Kenya the best Madaraka Day gift we could ever have asked for,” Namwamba declared, underscoring the national pride in the team's success.
Kenya's return to the World Rugby Sevens Series marks a significant comeback after being relegated last year following 23 years of participation. The team’s journey back to the top tier of rugby sevens has been met with widespread acclaim and is seen as a testament to their resilience and dedication.
The Shujaa team’s qualification was sealed with a decisive victory over Germany in Madrid. The team scored five tries and four conversions to win 33-15 in the relegation play-off match.
This victory was the result of strategic planning by the Ministry of Sports, aimed at reinstating Kenya among the 12 core nations in the World Rugby Sevens Series, alongside South Africa from the region.
The squad that secured this victory comprised 13 players: Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Brian Tanga, George Ooro, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Herman Humwa, Nygel Amaitsa, Lamec Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang, and Brian Mutua. They were led by coach Kevin Wambua, whose guidance and tactics were pivotal to their success.
Having Kenya back in the World Series is not only a boost for the team but also serves as a powerful marketing tool for the country and its sponsors, such as Kenya Airways. The team's success brings global attention to Kenya, enhancing its reputation in the world of sports and beyond.
Speaking from Madrid, Spain, where he witnessed the team's qualification for the 2025 World Sevens Series, Namwamba lauded the Shujaa team and assured them of the government’s continued support. He stressed that Kenya’s place among the top 12 rugby sevens nations in the world is a prestigious achievement that warrants substantial backing.
“We are now among the top 12 rugby 7s nations in the whole world. That means a lot and as a government, we are going to be fully supportive. Just like we’ve supported this journey to this moment of big success, we will support them henceforth with similar vigour and even higher commitment of resources,” Namwamba assured.
