As the Kenya rugby season is set to resume this weekend after a long break, several clubs have been active in the transfer market, acquiring new talent while others focused on releasing players.
The 2024-2025 mid-season transfer window opened on December 16th and closed at 11:59 PM on December 30th.
Mwamba RFC, Kisumu RFC, Nondies, and Kenya Harlequins were among the most active clubs, making the majority of signings. In contrast, Blak Blad and South Pirates refrained from strengthening their squads, while Nakuru RFC made only two additions.
SportPesa Blog takes a closer look at how some of the Kenya Cup clubs navigated the transfer market to bolster their squads.
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Kabras Sugar (Kenya Cup Defending Champions)
Kabras Sugar, the defending Kenya Cup champions, were relatively quiet in the transfer market compared to other clubs. Despite making only a handful of signings, they successfully reinforced their squad with three key players as they aim to defend their title.
The new additions include:
Mike Okello, a utility back from Mwamba RFC
Samuel Omollo, a playmaker from Catholic Monks
Edmond Angoya, a second five-eighth from Kabarak University
These signings are expected to strengthen the squad, particularly in the forwards, as Okello can cover for the absence of William Mwanji and Kevin Wekesa, who are occupied with national team duties for Kenya Sevens.
Omollo and Angoya will also provide a boost to the backline, which already features players like Kubu, Barry Robinson, Cantona, and Dukisa.
Kabras Sugar’s chairman, Edward Esilaba, emphasized the importance of squad depth to challenge on all fronts:
“We want to retain the trophies we won last season, and so far, the campaign has got off to a good start. With some of our players in the National Sevens team, we are happy with the squad we have. There is also a possibility of signing one more player before the transfer window closes,” Esilaba said, as quoted by The Star.
KCB RFC (2021 Kenya Cup Champions)
KCB RFC, currently second in the league, made four signings during the window. While not as busy as other teams, the Ruaraka-based club strengthened their squad with the following additions:
Mike Wekesa Korir, a forward from Zetech Oaks
Dominic Sande, a halfback from Daystar Falcons
Jenkins Kipruto, a versatile back from Kabarak University
John Bax Ochieng, a forward from Blak Blad Rugby Club
In addition to the new players, KCB also revamped their technical bench:
Curtis Lilako, the club’s captain, has returned as the Assistant Coach for Skills and Development Programs.
Peter Kilonzo, a former player, has rejoined the club as the Performance Analyst/Defence Coach.
These changes, alongside the retained members of the technical team, are expected to bolster the team’s overall performance under the leadership of Head Coach Oliver Mang’eni.
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Menengai Oilers
Sitting third on the Kenya Cup table, Menengai Oilers had an impressive start to the season. Head Coach Gibson Weru has been proactive in the transfer market, bringing in six new players to strengthen his squad:
Byron Cornel Omolo, a tighthead prop from MMUST
Paywick Munoko, an eighth man from MMUST
Daniel Kipchirchir, a midfielder from Western Bulls
Arturo Fortune, a hooker from Kabras Sugar
Peter Muniu Karanja, a front-row forward from Kakamega Homeboyz
Bruce Endovo, a front-row forward from Sigalagala National Polytechnic
However, Daniel Kipchirchir and Peter Muniu Karanja are still awaiting ratification.
Impala RFC
Impala RFC, who have struggled this season with just one win, have made nine signings, six of which have been completed, while three are still pending ratification. The new players include:
David Nyangige – from Northern Suburbs
Brian Koskei – from Cooperative University
Cyprian Ombaso – from MMUST
Raynold Anduvate – from Northern Suburbs
Sultan Mikael – from Northern Suburbs
Javan Otieno – from Nakuru RFC
Philip Okeyo – from Nakuru RFC
Martin Oyugi – from Mwamba RFC
Madiba Magoya – from Mwamba RFC
These signings are aimed at rejuvenating Impala’s campaign and improving their performance in the Kenya Cup.
Other Clubs
Blak Blad and South Pirates did not add any new players during the window. In contrast, Nakuru RFC made two signings:
Godwil Wamukhota, from Kitale RFC
Richard Asembo, also from Kitale RFC
Strathmore Leos made five signings
Duke Nanjama Odenyo-
Glenn Aguko-
Samuel Wafula-
David Imani Wambedha – all from NPR
Josphat Nderitu – Nondies
New Signings at Mwamba RFC
Shaban Ahmed – Free Transfer from KCB Rugby
Roxy Dan Suchi – Kenya Harlequins FC
Steve Sikuta – Kenya Prisons
Ishmael Mokaya – Impala RFC
Xavier Kipng’etich – Impala RFC
Benedict Matheka – NYS Spades
Joseph Omondi Rume – Northern Suburbs
Mark Gitonga – from Northern Suburbs
Washington Ogido – Northern Suburbs
Willis Omondi Owino – Northern Suburbs
Collins Onyango – Northern Suburbs
Joseph Otieno Oduor – Northern Suburbs
Rose Otieno – Free Transfer
Edwin Nyachio – NYS Spades
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Confirmed Transfers to Nondies
Crispin Omondi – Mwamba RFC
Martin Juma – Homeboyz RFC
Chris Omollo – Homeboyz RFC
George Asin Ochieng – Free Transfer
Curtis Lilako – Free Transfer
Maxwell Omondi – Catholic Monks
Maxwell Kangeri – Free Transfer
Stormy Odhiambo – Free Transfer
Iyan Odhiambo – Blak Blad
Brian Kadenge – Blak Blad
Harlequins’ New Signings
Dessaily Wafula Makokha – KU Blak Blad
Mike Munene – Homeboyz RFC
Felix Ouma – Homeboyz RFC
Philip Ikambili – Homeboyz RFC
Shaquel Bosire – Mwamba RFC
Anthony Stephen Otieno – Impala RFC
Refa Ochando – Northern Suburbs
Rubi Inziani – NPR
Sharon Bosibori – AP Rugby
Angel Salamba – Mwamba RFC
Maureen Muritu – Nakuru RFC
Kisumu RFC’s New Signings
Michael Olale – Western Bulls
Felix Omondi – Nakuru RFC
Elvis Waka Omenda – Western Bulls
Branton Lusasi – Free Transfer
Dancan Shighali – Free Transfer
Joseph Wanjala – Free Transfer
Victor Otieno – Free Transfer
Gibson Perez – Kabras Sugar Rugby
Warren Kamadi –Kabras Sugar Rugby
Darrel Omondi – Kabras Sugar Rugby