By KPC Sports Reporter
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has awarded IOC Scholarships worth USD 100,000 to Kenya’s national rugby sevens teams as the country begins its structured build-up towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In an announcement made on Thursday, NOC-K confirmed that Shujaa, Kenya’s men’s national rugby sevens team, and the Lionesses, the women’s national team, will each receive USD 50,000.
This will support high-performance preparation over the full Olympic cycle from 2026 to 2028.
The scholarships will fund key performance areas including specialised training programmes, international competition exposure, coaching support and athlete welfare, offering a significant boost as both teams intensify preparations for global competitions.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) President Harriet Okach welcomed the continued collaboration with NOC-K, saying sustained investment was critical for long-term success.
“Sustained investment and structured support are essential to building competitive teams capable of performing consistently at the highest level,” Okach said.
Shujaa remain one of Africa’s most successful rugby sevens sides, having featured at three Olympic Games—Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Although the Lionesses narrowly missed out on qualification for Paris 2024 after a Covid-19 affected qualification period, their steady rise continues to mark them as strong contenders for LA 2028.
NOC-K Second Deputy President Colonel (Rtd) Nashon Randiek said the scholarships reflected confidence in Kenya’s rugby programme and its long-term vision.
“Shujaa is currently the only men’s team in Kenya to receive an IOC team scholarship, which is a clear reflection of the confidence placed in the rugby programme and its long-term potential,” Randiek said, adding that NOC-K was equally committed to supporting the women’s team.
The timing of the scholarships is particularly crucial as preparations intensify for the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series Division 2, set to begin next month.
The tournament is a key qualification pathway back to the World Sevens Series, with Kenya scheduled to host one of the legs in February.
Looking ahead, Shujaa will depart next week for a high-performance training camp in South Africa, where they will face the Springbok Sevens and selected club sides.
The Lionesses, meanwhile, will travel to Spain for international fixtures against Spain and Belgium.
Team captains Samuel Asati (Shujaa) and Sheila Chajira (Lionesses) said the funding had renewed belief within the squads.
“The environment in camp is positive, and the team is motivated by the support we are receiving,” Asati said.
Chajira noted that missing out on Paris 2024 had strengthened the women’s resolve.
“It was a difficult setback, but it has also sharpened our focus and determination as we reset our sights on LA 2028,” she said.