There is something about Dala 7s that brings out the very best of Kenya’s rugby sevens.
For two days, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo was a hive of activity as crunching tackles, blistering counter-attacks and last-ditch defensive stands kept rugby fans on the edge of their seats.
The second leg of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit delivered exactly what the series has become known for – fast-paced rugby, surprise results and fresh heroes.
ALSO READ: Kabras Sugar rally past Oilers to reclaim Dala 7s title
Kabras Sugar left Kisumu as deserving champions after defeating Menengai Oilers 19-5 in the Cup final, but the tournament was about much more than lifting silverware.
Defending champions KCB saw their reign come to an abrupt end, emerging youngsters announced themselves on the biggest stage, while the debut of the women’s competition at the Dala leg added another important chapter to the tournament’s history.
Here are the ten stories that shaped an unforgettable weekend in Kisumu.
Kabras Sugar Show Championship Character
The hallmark of every championship-winning side is its ability to respond after disappointment.
Having fallen short in the Prinsloo 7s final, Kabras Sugar arrived in Kisumu with a point to prove. They looked sharper, more disciplined and considerably more clinical than they had a week earlier.
The Sugarmen conceded just five points in the Cup final as they dismantled Menengai Oilers 19-5. They also finished the weekend unbeaten, progressing from the group stage to the title decider, which they reclaimed.
More importantly, the victory threw them back into contention for the overall SportPesa 7s title as they moved to the top of the standings, overtaking KCB with 41 points.
They will remain there for the next two weeks before the third round, the Nairobi Kabeberi 7s.
Carlos Katywa’s Belief Never Wavered
Coach Carlos Kaytwa celebrating with his team after being crowned Dala 7s championsThe celebrations after the final whistle perhaps meant more to Carlos Katywa than anyone else.
After the disappointment of Nakuru, the Kabras head coach resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes. Instead, he trusted the systems that had brought his side success and challenged his players to improve the finer details.
The response was emphatic.
Kabras defended with greater intensity, managed possession more intelligently and punished mistakes with ruthless efficiency.
Katywa’s emotional reaction after the final reflected the journey his side had taken in just one week—from runners-up to champions.
A new generation carries Kabras to glory
Every successful team eventually passes the baton to a new generation.
For Kabras Sugar, Dala 7s may well be remembered as the tournament where that transition became unmistakable.
Jackson Siketa controlled matches with remarkable composure, Mike Lukusi repeatedly gave Kabras front-foot ball through his explosive running, Adrian Khwesa impressed with his relentless work rate around the park, while Rayvon Ambale once again demonstrated why he remains one of the circuit’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
Rather than relying solely on seasoned campaigners, Kabras trusted youth—and the youngsters repaid that faith with performances that ultimately delivered the title.
If these displays are anything to go by, Kabras have unearthed a core capable of driving the club’s ambitions for years to come.
Menengai Oilers are no longer outsiders
If anyone still doubted Menengai Oilers’ credentials as genuine contenders, Dala 7s provided the perfect response.
The Nakuru side produced some of the tournament’s most attractive rugby, moving the ball confidently through multiple phases and consistently testing opposition defences with their offloading game.
Their route to the final included an impressive semi-final victory over Mwamba before they eventually came up against a Kabras side operating at its very best.
Although they fell short in the title decider, Oilers left Kisumu having strengthened their reputation as one of the teams capable of challenging for honours throughout the remainder of the circuit.
KCB’s reign comes to an unexpected halt
SportPesa 7s overall defending champions KCB travelled to Kisumu carrying the weight of expectation.
Not only were they the reigning Dala 7s champions, but they had also opened the season by lifting the Prinsloo 7s title.
Many expected the bankers to continue their dominance.
Instead, Kenya Harlequin produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by knocking them out in the Cup quarter-finals.
The defeat ended KCB’s hopes of defending the Dala crown and served as another reminder of just how unforgiving the National Sevens Circuit has become.
In Kenya’s sevens game, reputations count for little once the knockout rounds begin.
Mwamba’s rebuild continues to gather momentum
Results only tell part of Mwamba’s story.
Under Paul Murunga, Kulabu are gradually rediscovering the identity that once made them one of Kenya’s most feared sevens sides.
After admitting defensive shortcomings had cost them at Prinsloo 7s, Mwamba arrived in Kisumu looking far more organised. Their tackle success improved, their defensive spacing was tighter and their patience in possession allowed them to control matches for longer periods.
The continued integration of new players has also given the side fresh energy, suggesting brighter days lie ahead.
A landmark weekend for Women’s Rugby in Kisumu
The women’s competition has become a familiar feature on the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, but this year marked a historic first for Dala 7s.
For the first time since the tournament joined the national circuit, women’s teams competed in Kisumu, giving supporters the opportunity to enjoy elite rugby across both categories.
The women’s teams that participated in the inaugural Dala 7s Women’s tournament were Impala Roans, Kenya Harlequin, Kiambaa Ladies, Kisii Polytechnic, Kisumu Dolphins, Mwamba Ladies, Mwira Eagles, and Shamberere Viqueens.
The successful introduction of the women’s competition added another dimension to the weekend and reflected the continued growth of the women’s game in Kenya.
It is a move that many hope will now become a permanent feature of future editions.
Mwamba Ladies continue to set the benchmark
Fresh from winning the Prinsloo 7s title, Mwamba Ladies once again underlined why they remain among the country’s leading women’s sevens teams.
Their run to another Cup final was built on disciplined defence, effective support play and composure under pressure.
Facing Kenya Harlequin in the final, they demonstrated the consistency that separates championship contenders from the chasing pack.
With back-to-back appearances in major finals, Mwamba Ladies continue to set the standard that others are striving to reach.
Every leg is producing a new contender
If the opening two rounds have taught us anything, it is that there is no dominant force this season.
KCB won Prinsloo7s.
Kabras answered with Dala7s.
Menengai Oilers reached the Cup final.
Kenya Harlequin eliminated the former defending champions.
Mwamba continued their resurgence.
Zetech Oaks proved they belong among the country’s elite in the top division.
The unpredictability has transformed the battle for the overall circuit title into one of the most compelling races in recent memory, where every tournament carries significant consequences.
Dala 7s remains more than just rugby
While the rugby delivered unforgettable moments, Dala 7s once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated stops on the sporting calendar.
Thousands of supporters created an electric atmosphere across both days, turning Mamboleo into a carnival of sport, music and culture.
Performances from Bensoul, Odongo Swagg and Hype Ballo with a surprise appearance of Kisumu’s finest Coaster Ojwang ensured the entertainment continued long after the final whistle, with each artist drawing huge crowds and keeping fans on their feet after the matches.
Combined with colourful fan engagement activities, packed terraces and high-quality rugby, the event showcased exactly why Dala 7s continues to grow in stature every season.
As the circuit heads to its next stop in Nairobi for the Kabeberi 7s, Kisumu leaves behind more than just another champion.
It leaves fresh storylines, renewed rivalries and growing belief that the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit could be one of the most fiercely contested editions in recent history.