Kenya Cup returns with match week 8 fixtures on the cards
By Joel Masibo, January 31, 2026The 2025/26 Kenya Cup campaign promises a thrilling weekend as heavyweight encounters headline both the title chase and the relegation scrap in match week 8 of the season across the country on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as all matches begin at 4:00 pm local time.
Kenya Cup fixtures
The spotlight will be firmly fixed on Ruaraka, where KCB lock horns with Nondescripts in the much-anticipated “Clash of the Lions” at the Den. The bankers come into the contest brimming with belief as they aim to extend their winning streak, while Nondies arrive bruised following a painful defeat to KU Blak Blad.
Currently placed sixth and just inside touching distance of the playoff places, the Red Lions know this fixture could define their season, with victory offering a much-needed lift.
In Nakuru, second-placed Menengai Oilers will be eager to stay on course when they host an in-form KU Blak Blad side, while in western Kenya, Kenya Harlequin make the trip to Kakamega to challenge league leaders Kabras Sugar at the ASK Showground in another blockbuster showdown.
Attention will also turn to the lower end of the standings, where survival is the key theme. MMUST, rooted to the bottom with four points, welcome Kisumu RFC to Masinde Muliro University in a crucial clash between the two sides propping up the table. Kisumu sit just above them on six points and will be equally desperate for breathing space.
In Athi River, Daystar Falcons, who are ninth on seven points, entertain Nakuru RFC in tenth, setting up a high-stakes encounter that could alter the relegation picture.
Away from the drop-zone drama, Strathmore Leos, fifth and firmly in the playoff mix, host Impala at the Impala Club along Ngong Road. The students will be keen to strengthen their top-six grip, while Impala, currently eighth, will be chasing a vital upward push.
Championship schedule
The KRU Championship also offers a packed schedule starting at 2:00 pm. NYS Spades take on USIU Martials at the NYS headquarters, while Mombasa RFC face a tough journey to western Kenya to meet bottom-placed Western Bulls.
Mean Machine, a former Kenya Cup outfit, travel to Kisii to face Kisii RFC, as league leaders Mwamba RFC look to keep their perfect run intact at home against Homeboyz at the Goan Institute. JKUAT Cougars head to the coast for a meeting with South Coast Pirates in Diani, before Catholic Monks and Zetech Oaks close the round with an all-university showdown at the Catholic University in Karen.