Tusker Backs Historic World Rugby Sevens Event in Nairobi with Ksh 40 Million

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, has today January 21st announced a KES 40 million sponsorship for the HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi, reinforcing its long-standing support for Kenyan rugby ahead of a historic global event.

The tournament, scheduled for February 14-15, 2026, will be held at Nyayo Stadium, marking the first time Kenya hosts a World Rugby Sevens international event.

With this milestone, Kenya becomes only the second African nation after South Africa to stage a World Rugby Sevens competition.

The HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi will also serve as the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series, placing the country firmly on the global rugby map and highlighting Nairobi’s growing stature as a destination for major international sporting events.

The competition will feature elite international teams in both the men’s and women’s categories, with Kenya’s national sides Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses competing on home soil against top global opposition.

Breakdown of Tusker’s KES 40 Million Investment

Tusker’s sponsorship package includes KES 20 million in cash to support the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) with tournament delivery and operations.

An additional KES 12 million has been committed to experiential support aimed at enhancing the fan experience, while KES 8 million has been allocated for publicity and promotional activities.

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Together, these contributions bring Tusker’s total commitment to KES 40 million, underlining the brand’s intent to deliver a world-class event.

Tusker: Rugby Unites Kenyans Across Communities

Speaking during the official sponsorship announcement at RFUEA Grounds, Christine Kariuki, Head of Mainstream Beer at KBL, said the partnership reflects Tusker’s enduring commitment to uniting Kenyans through sport.

“Rugby has a unique way of bringing Kenyans together across generations, across communities, and across borders.

Hosting the HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi is a celebration of that journey and how far the game has come.

At Tusker, we believe in bringing people together so we can each stand tall, and this is one of those moments.

We are proud to come on board and support this historic tournament.”

Kariuki added that Tusker’s involvement goes beyond brand visibility, focusing on delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.

“Our support is about helping create an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

From matchday operations to fan engagement, we want Kenyans to feel proud of what we can deliver when the world comes to our home.”

Part of World Rugby’s New Global Sevens Structure

The HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi forms part of World Rugby’s newly introduced three-tier global Sevens structure, which aims to provide clearer progression pathways to elite competition while ensuring full gender parity at every event.

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The revamped format is designed to strengthen the global Sevens ecosystem and offer emerging rugby nations increased exposure on the international stage.

Kenya Rugby Union Chairlady Harriet Okatch welcomed Tusker’s sponsorship, emphasizing the importance of strong corporate partnerships in successfully hosting an international tournament of this scale.

“Tusker has been a strong supporter of rugby for many years, and this is a partnership that has continued to flourish.

We are therefore delighted to have Tusker on board for the HSBC SVNS 2 and look forward to working together to elevate the fan experience both on and off the pitch, and we are confident of hosting a very successful event.”

Ticket Information

The HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi will take place on February 14-15, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium, with tickets available via TikoHub.

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The image shows Kenya Rugby Union officials during signing of partnerships
Image/KRU/X