By KPC Reporter
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) hosted a welcome dinner for teams and officials participating in the HSBC World Sevens Series Division 2 tournament, officially setting the tone for the global rugby event scheduled to take place in Nairobi this weekend.
Held at the Carnivore Restaurant, the event brought together visiting teams, World Rugby officials, government representatives, and key stakeholders in sports and tourism, underscoring Kenya’s growing stature as a host of international sporting events.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said hosting the tournament marked the realization of a long-held national ambition to stage a global leg of the World Sevens Series.
“We are thrilled to host the HSBC World Sevens Series Division 2 tournament here in Nairobi. Kenya has long hoped to host a global leg of the World Sevens Series, and now that dream is realized,” Miano said, noting that the journey required “persistence, investment and an unyielding belief in our capacity to deliver a world-class experience.”
She added that international sporting events play a critical role in strengthening the country’s tourism brand.
“By consistently hosting international sporting events, we are not only boosting our tourism sector but also solidifying Kenya’s profile as a capable and enthusiastic host on the world stage,” she said.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a successful tournament, citing collaboration across multiple sectors.
“The hosting of this tournament is a testament to the strong collaborations between various arms of the government, the Kenya Rugby Union, World Rugby and the private sector,” Mwangi said. “We remain committed to delivering a safe, secure, well-organized and memorable tournament.”
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okach described the event as a significant milestone for the sport locally, saying it reflected the growth of rugby in the country and the confidence Kenya has earned globally.
“Hosting this tournament speaks to the growth of rugby in Kenya and the confidence the global rugby community has placed in us,” Okach said.
World Rugby’s Head of Sevens Event Planning and Delivery, Mark Honeybunn, echoed the sentiments, praising Kenya’s hospitality and readiness to host the competition.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity of hosting this tournament in Nairobi. This evening has showcased Kenyan hospitality, and we look forward to a dynamic and special tournament,” Honeybunn said.
The HSBC World Sevens Series Division 2 tournament will be held on February 14 and 15, 2026, featuring twelve teams from across the world competing in the opening leg of the division two series, with two days of high-intensity rugby action expected.