Hosting HSBC SVNS 2 leg a significant achievement for Kenya – CS Mvurya
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, has described Kenya hosting the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2, Nairobi leg at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2026, as a significant achievement for the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Mvurya described staging the tournament in Nairobi as a historic milestone that elevates Kenya’s international sporting profile, affirming its growing reputation as a premier destination for global competitions.
Significant achievement
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Hosting the Division 2 leg marks a significant achievement for Kenya, which now becomes only the second country in Africa after South Africa to stage an event of this magnitude.
”Kenya now becomes the second country in Africa to host an event of this magnitude, an unmistakable vote of confidence in our capacity to deliver world-class tournaments, nurture elite talent, and position our nation as a hub for sports tourism and global engagement,” Mvurya said.
The Nairobi leg will bring together 12 elite international teams, six men’s and six women’s sides, drawn from 11 countries for what promises to be a thrilling continental showcase.
In the women’s category, Kenya will compete against Brazil, South Africa, China, Argentina, and Spain. The men’s competition will feature Kenya alongside Germany, the United States, Uruguay, Canada, and Belgium, reflecting the tournament’s global appeal and competitive depth.
Kenya’s national teams, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, will be looking to capitalise on home advantage as they seek to make a strong statement on the international stage.
Both teams carry a rich legacy, including multiple Africa Sevens titles and consistent podium finishes on the World Rugby Sevens Series, achievements that have cemented Kenya’s status as a continental powerhouse and an emerging global force in rugby.
Preparation
According to Mvurya, preparations for the event are in top gear, as all tickets have been sold out, comprehensive live television coverage has been arranged, and robust security and traffic management plans have been deployed to ensure a seamless and safe experience for fans.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, Mvurya said the tournament is expected to boost sports tourism and enhance Kenya’s global engagement, positioning Nairobi as a hub for international sporting events. The CS has called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and rally behind the national teams in true Kenyan style.
“Let us come out in our numbers and cheer on our heroes, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, as they rise to the occasion and once again redefine history on the global stage,” Mvurya stated.
With the world’s attention turning to Nairobi, all eyes will be on Nyayo National Stadium this weekend as Kenya welcomes the global rugby fraternity for what promises to be an electrifying celebration of sport.
