The 2025 Safari Sevens has received crucial financial from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) courtesy of its flagship brand Tusker.

The beer-makers gave the competition Ksh22 million ($170,016) in sponsorship for the tournament.

The deal cements Tusker’s role as the official alcoholic beverage and entertainment partner of the three-day event set for October 10-12 at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

The 2025 tournament will feature 20 teams: 12 men’s and 8 women’s sides and promises fans a weekend of top-tier rugby action.

Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo while speaking during the event at the RFUEA Ground, Nairobi, on Friday welcomed the sponsorship, noting its significance to the tournament’s success.

“The Safari Sevens has always been a special event for the rugby family in Kenya and across the region,” he said adding that they are excited to return to Nyayo Stadium and look forward to a thrilling weekend of rugby.

He said that “KBL’s continued support through Tusker is vital as enabling us to host an event of this scale, attract top international teams and deliver a memorable experience for players and fans.”

Defending women’s champions Costa Blanca Barbarians headline the international entrants, while Kenya’s Shujaa will look to retain their crown on home soil. In the women’s category, the Kenya Lionesses will be aiming to reclaim top honours from Costa Blanca Barbarians, who lifted the Robin Cahill Trophy in last year’s Machakos edition.

Confirmed men’s teams are Shujaa, Morans, Apache, French Renegades, Re-Union (French Colony), UK Select, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Shogun and KCB Rugby – the 2025 National Sevens Circuit champions.

In the women’s competition, the Kenya Lionesses are joined by the Cubs, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Shogun, Belgium, and defending champions Costa Blanca Barbarians.

KBL Head of Mainstream Beer Christine Kariuki said, “Tusker has walked with Kenyan rugby for over three decades, and the Safari Sevens is one of the most iconic features of that story.”

Kariuki said this sponsorship is about more than rugby as it is also about uniting fans, celebrating Kenyan excellence, and giving players a platform to showcase their talent against some of the best in the world.

“We are proud to once again be part of this tournament, both on the pitch and in creating unforgettable experience for the fans,” Kariuki said.

Safari Sevens has become a permanent fixture every year since 1996 except from 20i19-2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its return to Nyayo Stadium in 2025 reaffirms its status as a highlight of the Kenyan sporting calendar.

Now in its 27th edition since its launch in 1996, Safari Sevens remains one of Africa’s most prestigious rugby tournaments, attracting both professional and invitational sides from around the world.

This year marks the fourth time the event will be staged at Nyayo Stadium, following previous editions in 2011, 2012 and 2021.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Anita Omwenga