Kenya Shujaa won the 2026 Safari Sevens after beating Kenya Morans 24–5 in the men’s final at Nyayo National Stadium on 11 October. The result secured a fifth consecutive Safari Sevens title for the national side, but the tournament also highlighted players working their way into Kenya’s wider sevens programme. For the championship result, read our Shujaa Safari Sevens final report.
Head coach Kevin Wambua selected a blend of established internationals and newer players for the tournament. The performances of Elvis Olukusi, Glacious Owino, Nygel Amaitsa and others offered tangible examples of how domestic competition and national-team opportunities can reinforce one another.
Which emerging Kenya Shujaa players stood out at Safari Sevens 2026?
Elvis Olukusi: From first Shujaa call-up to match contributions
Elvis Olukusi entered the tournament among the new faces in the Shujaa setup after impressing on the Mauritius assignment. His impact was visible during the 21–21 opening draw with SportPesa Fast Forward 7s, when he scored Kenya’s late try to help complete the comeback. He also scored twice in Shujaa’s 54–5 quarter-final win over Wonder 7s.
Glacious Owino: Attacking impact from the bench
Glacious Owino was another player identified by Kenya Rugby Union among the incoming Shujaa talent. Against SportPesa Fast Forward 7s, he scored after coming on as a substitute and added the conversion that brought Shujaa within reach. He later crossed twice against Wonder 7s in the quarter-finals, showing his value in support play and close-range finishes.
Nygel Amaitsa: A productive option in the wider squad
Nygel Amaitsa was part of the Safari Sevens squad rather than one of the officially identified debutants. He scored in the opening draw with SportPesa Fast Forward 7s and again in the 22–0 victory over Scotland. Those moments illustrate why it is useful to distinguish a player making a first appearance from one who is extending an established national-team role.
Victor Odhiambo and Rayvon Ambale: Finishing and game management
Victor Odhiambo scored a first-half hat-trick against Wonder 7s in the quarter-finals, while Rayvon Ambale handled several of the conversions in that game. Their contributions complemented the newer attacking options and underlined the importance of combining finishing quality with reliable support play.
For more detail on the squad changes before the tournament, see three debutants earning Shujaa call-ups for Safari Sevens 2026.
How Kenya Shujaa won the 2026 Safari Sevens
Shujaa began with a 21–21 draw against SportPesa Fast Forward 7s, then beat Scotland 22–0 and Uganda 21–5 to progress from their pool unbeaten. They defeated Wonder 7s 54–5 in the quarter-finals and French Renegades 36–0 in the semi-finals before beating Kenya Morans 24–5 in the final.
Our Safari Sevens 2026 fixtures and results guide provides the wider tournament context, while the Shujaa quarter-final report breaks down several of the players’ standout contributions.
Kenya Morans and the national sevens development pathway
The other major development story was Kenya Morans reaching the final. Their run showed that the wider national-team programme had meaningful depth beyond Shujaa’s first-choice group. Before the tournament, Kenya Rugby Union named six Morans newcomers: Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Kluivert, Mike Lukusi, Harrison Mauve and Brighton Omondi.
That pathway matters because the National Sevens Circuit supplies competitive match opportunities before players are assessed at higher levels. Selection for Morans or Shujaa is an important milestone, although it does not itself guarantee future senior-team appearances.
What the 2026 tournament means for Kenya rugby
The lasting significance of Safari Sevens 2026 is not limited to another trophy. Shujaa combined experienced leaders such as George Ooro and Samuel Asati with players receiving new opportunities, while Morans demonstrated the strength of the next tier. The challenge for those players is to build consistency across future training camps and international fixtures.
For Kenya rugby supporters, the tournament offers a clear record of who contributed, how emerging players were used and why local rugby competition remains central to national-team development.
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Kenya Shujaa Safari Sevens 2026 FAQs
Who won Safari Sevens 2026?
Kenya Shujaa won the men’s title by beating Kenya Morans 24–5 in the final on 11 October 2026.
Which new players were selected for Shujaa at Safari Sevens 2026?
Kenya Rugby Union identified Elvis Olukusi, Glacious Owino and a third debutant in its pre-tournament squad announcement. Published team sheets use inconsistent naming for the third player, so this article does not assign that identity without further confirmation.
Did Samuel Asati make his Shujaa debut at Safari Sevens 2026?
No. Samuel Asati was one of the experienced players and co-captains selected for the tournament.
What was Kenya Morans’ role in Safari Sevens 2026?
Kenya Morans reached the men’s final and gave developing players a chance to compete against international and invitational opposition.
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Conclusion
Shujaa’s 2026 Safari Sevens victory added another title to Kenya’s record, while the contributions of Elvis Olukusi, Glacious Owino and the wider squad gave the tournament longer-term value. Together with Kenya Morans’ run to the final, the event demonstrated the strength of the pathway from domestic rugby into national-team contention.
