HSBC SVN 2 will showcase Kenya as a sports tourism hub – Harriet Okach
By Joel Masibo, February 9, 2026Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okach has described the beckoning HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament set to be staged at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15, 2026, as a rugby tourney that will showcase Kenya as a sports tourism hub.
Speaking on a local TV interview on Monday, February 9, 2026, with both the Kenya Lionesses and Shujaa primed to fly the national flag high on home soil, Okach expressed optimism that the Kenyan teams will give their all in Nairobi.
Sports tourism
”This tournament will enable us to showcase Kenya as a sports tourism destination as well as a sporting nation. Let’s expect a lot of action. I believe in them, and I know they’ve put in their all,” she said.
The highly anticipated event will bring together some of the world’s top rugby sevens nations, giving local fans a rare chance to watch elite international rugby in Nairobi. For the Kenya Lionesses, the tournament presents a major test and an opportunity to measure themselves against strong opposition drawn from across the globe.
The Lionesses have been pooled against China, Brazil and Spain in the group stages before facing a demanding lineup that includes South Africa, Argentina, the United States, Germany, Belgium and Canada. The fixture list underlines the scale of the challenge awaiting the Kenyan side, but the players are confident of putting in a strong performance.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Lionesses player Grace Okullu expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, noting that the competition offers a perfect platform to showcase both their talent and Kenya’s growing stature in global rugby.
“It’s going to be a good tournament for us,” said Okullu. “This tournament will enable us to showcase Kenya as a sports tourism destination as well as a sporting nation.”
Lionesses ready
Okullu added that the team is not overly fixated on any single opponent, including familiar rivals South Africa, whom Kenya has beaten several times in past encounters.
“We’re not changing anything when it comes to South Africa. We have beaten them once, twice, thrice — it’s not the first time we’re going to encounter them. Our main focus right now is not only South Africa,” she said.
With Shujaa also set to feature, the tournament is expected to draw huge crowds and generate significant excitement among rugby fans. Beyond the on-field action, the event is poised to boost Nairobi’s profile as a hub for international sports and tourism.
As Kenya welcomes the global rugby community, all eyes will be on Nyayo National Stadium, where the Lionesses and Shujaa will aim to deliver memorable performances and make the most of home advantage in this prestigious competition.