Kenya will host the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship on November 7 and 8 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with 11 national teams set to compete for the continental title.
The tournament will bring together Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, alongside hosts Kenya.
According to a statement issued by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Wednesday, November 4, the championship will also provide teams with an opportunity to secure qualification for the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
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Kenya’s Lionesses will enter the tournament with confidence following their impressive performance at the Safari Sevens, where they defeated Uganda 22-5 in the final to retain their title.
Odongo names 12-player Lionesses squad
Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has named a 12-player squad for the two-day continental competition.
Co-captains Sheila Chajira and Stella Wafula will continue to lead the team, providing experience and leadership as Kenya prepares to challenge for the African crown.
Odongo has largely retained the core of the squad that featured at the 2025 Safari Sevens. Those included are Janet Okello, Faith Livoi, Freshia Oduor, Sinaida Mokaya, Judith Auma, Marvel Oswago, Yvette Okech and Moreen Muritu.
Nelly Chikombe is the new face in the squad, earning a place in the team ahead of the championship.
Catherine Elizabeth has also been selected following the technical team's assessment of two debutants during the Safari Sevens. She makes the final squad at the expense of Tracy Montex, who has been left out.
Charity Nillah is another notable omission from the 12-player group that represented Kenya at the Safari Sevens.
Odongo will be assisted by Geoffrey Ominde, while Camilyne Oyuayo will serve as the team manager.
The Lionesses will now look to use home advantage to reclaim the African title and secure a return to the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Mvurya calls for support as Kenya hosts tournament
Mvurya has urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers at the RFUEA Grounds to support the national team.
The Cabinet Secretary said hosting the championship reflects the government's commitment to promoting women's sport and positioning Kenya as a destination for major sporting events.
He also congratulated the Rising Lionesses following their historic gold medal victory at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
The young Kenyan side defeated Australia 17-12 in extra time in the final after overcoming China 12-5, Senegal 19-0 and Madagascar 15-5 in the semi-final.
Their victory made Kenya the first African country to win a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.
Mvurya said the government would continue working with the Kenya Rugby Union and other partners to strengthen pathways for girls in rugby, from grassroots and school competitions to national teams.
With the continental championship taking place in Nairobi, the Lionesses will have an opportunity to compete before home supporters as they pursue the African title and a place in the next level of international sevens competition.