Governor Kihika, Sir Mburu Inject Ksh 600,000 Into Great Rift 10s Rugby Tournament

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The Great Rift 10s rugby tournament has received a major boost following a timely and strategic sponsorship, injecting fresh momentum into the ongoing major annual rugby tournament event at the Nakuru Athletics Club.

Rugby 10s is a fast-paced, full-contact variant of rugby union governed by World Rugby, played with 10 players per side, shorter halves, and rolling substitutions to manage fatigue, often featuring 4-5 forwards and 5-6 backs.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, alongside First Gentleman Sam Mburu, has committed KSh 600,000 towards the tournament, which has drawn thousands of sports enthusiasts to Nakuru over the Easter weekend.

The funding is expected to support key operational areas including logistics, team facilitation, officiating, and general tournament organization. Organizers say the financial backing will help improve the quality of competition and enhance the overall experience for players and fans.

The donation was formally handed over to tournament organizers by Chief Officer for Sports Francis Njogu, Personal Assistant to the First Gentleman Geoffrey Kamau, Chief Officer for Resource Mobilization Dr Achoka Victor, and Shaabab Ward MCA Macharia Wathiai.

County officials said the sponsorship reflects Nakuru County’s broader policy direction of strengthening grassroots sports and positioning the county as a leading hub for competitive rugby and youth talent development.

Speaking during the handover, CO Njogu emphasized the role of sustained investment in sports development, noting that such initiatives are essential in identifying and nurturing talent while also unlocking economic opportunities linked to sports tourism and small-scale enterprises.

The Great Rift 10s tournament has attracted teams from across the region, bringing together both emerging and seasoned rugby players. The growing scale of participation highlights the tournament’s rising profile within Kenya’s rugby calendar and its importance as a preparatory platform for national competitions.

MCA Macharia Wathiai, who was present at the event, led local rugby stakeholders in welcoming the county’s support, describing the sponsorship as timely and critical in expanding the tournament’s experience and competitiveness.

“The event continues to reinforce Nakuru County’s reputation as a key sporting destination, supported by improved infrastructure and increasing institutional backing for sports,” said PA Kamau.

In recent years, the county government has steadily increased its investment in sports programmes as part of a wider strategy to engage young people, promote healthy lifestyles, and create structured pathways for professional growth in athletics and other disciplines.