Three debutants earn Shujaa call-up for 2026 Safari 7s

Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has named his squad for the 2026 Safari Sevens with Shujaa set to begin their title defence at Nyayo National Stadium from Friday.

Kenya will be chasing a fifth successive Safari 7s crown when the tournament gets underway on October 9, but Wambua has made changes to the squad as he looks to assemble a side capable of maintaining the country’s dominance on home soil.

Among those missing from the squad are experienced players such as Vincent Onyala and Kevin Wekesa who will not feature in this year’s edition.

George Ooro will captain the team alongside fellow co-captain Samuel Asati, with the pair expected to provide leadership to a squad that combines experience with several players earning their first opportunity at the senior international level.

ALSO READ: Kenya Shujaa draw Uganda 7s in 2026 Safari 7s as pools are confirmed

John Okoth, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua are among the experienced players retained in the squad, while Nygel Amaitsa and Festus Safari have also been included as Kenya prepares for what should be a demanding three days of rugby.

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Elvis Olukusi, who has earned his first Shujaa call-up after an impressive showing during the recent tournament in Mauritius.

His performances have caught the attention of the technical bench and he now has an opportunity to prove himself on the bigger stage.

Glacious Owino and Rayvon Olindi have also been rewarded with their first selections after impressing in Mauritius. The two bring pace, attacking intent and creativity to a squad that Wambua will expect to play an expansive brand of rugby.

Patrick Odongo and Victor Odhiambo add further attacking options, giving Kenya players capable of finishing chances and stretching opposition defences.

Shujaa have been handed a challenging Pool A assignment. They will face Uganda, SportPesa Fast Forward 7s and Scotland in the opening stage of the competition.

Playing at home will increase the pressure on the defending champions, who will be expected to go all the way once again. However, the changes to the squad mean Wambua will also be keen to see how the new combinations perform against international opposition.

The Safari Sevens will be staged at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11 and is expected to attract a strong field of local and international teams.

Shogun, who have reached the final in each of the last three editions, have been drawn in Pool B together with French Renegades, Southern California Nomads and Wellington Jaguars.

For Shujaa, the immediate objective will be to negotiate the pool stage before turning their attention to the knockout rounds. With the home crowd behind them, Kenya will be aiming to extend their remarkable run and lift the Safari Sevens trophy for a fifth consecutive year.

1. John Okoth
2. George Ooro (Co-Captain)
3. Elvis Olukusi
4. Gabriel Ayimba
5. Brian Mutua
6. Samuel Asati (Co-Captain)
7. Glacious Owino
8. Rayvon Olindi
9. Nygel Amaitsa
10. Festus Safari
11. Patrick Odongo
12. Victor Odhiambo