Ever present Menengai Oilers' wonderkid reflects on an amazing breakthrough year
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.09.25. | 16:20
At Oilers, he quickly proved his worth, playing a vital role in helping the team reach their second-ever Kenya Cup final
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Menengai Oilers’ rising star, Daniel Kipchirchir.
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The fleet-footed youngster joined the Nakuru-based side in September 2024, and his journey with the team has been filled with milestones and growth.
Before his Oilers breakthrough, Kipchirchir was part of the Kenya U20 side, Chipu, that made history by winning the 2024 Barthes Cup and earning a spot at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland.
Although Chipu fell short of defending their crown in 2025, Kipchirchir’s performances had already cemented his name on the rugby scene.
At Oilers, he quickly proved his worth, playing a vital role in helping the team reach their second-ever Kenya Cup final.
They narrowly lost 27-26 to Kabras Sugar in a nerve-wracking contest, but Kipchirchir’s influence throughout the season was undeniable.
With Oilers’ reliable winger Beldad Ogeta often sidelined with injury or suspension, the youngster stepped up when his team needed him most.
So much so that Gibson Weru trusted him to start the Kenya Cup final, lining up alongside Timothy Omela on the wings.
His impact was just as profound in the National 7s Circuit.
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At the Christie 7s, he earned spots in both the Main Dream Team and the U20 Dream Team.
By the end of the circuit, he had featured in all six legs, was named in every U20 Dream Team, and sealed his place in the overall Dream Team of the tournament.
That consistency earned him a call-up to the 48-man Kenya Sevens training squad, a highly competitive unit featuring the likes of Patrick Odongo and Floyd Wabwire.
But with his undeniable talent, it seems only a matter of time before he makes his mark on the global stage.
Despite his rapid rise, Kipchirchir remains grounded and calm.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the nonchalant speedster described 2025 as a spectacular year.
“From the circuit, I rate myself 8 out of 10. It’s not 10/10 because of the finals we missed and all the semis we let go.
Starting the circuit, I wanted the Oilers to reach at least three finals, but we only made it to one. Still, we thank God for that,” the soft-spoken back said.
During the circuit, Oilers reached just one final; the Christie 7s, where they fell 19-5 to KCB Rugby. Still, they showed consistency with four semifinal appearances: Embu, Christie, Prinsloo, and Dala 7s.
They bowed out at the quarterfinal stage in both the Driftwood and Kabeberi 7s after losing to KCB and Daystar Falcons, respectively.
Remarkably, Kipchirchir has played the entire Kenya Cup, Enterprise Cup, and the National 7s Circuit without a break. Now, even with the 7s circuit concluded, he is already in camp with Shujaa.
I sought to understand when he rests.
“As an athlete, my job is to make fans happy anytime. If you’re aiming for something, you must put in the effort. So sometimes I don’t even think about rest,” he offered.
September marked exactly one year since he joined the Oilers, a milestone he celebrated with gratitude.
“I feel great that it’s only been one year with the Oilers and I have achieved this much. It has been an impressive year for me. I thank God,” he shared.
He also praised his coaches, including Lawi Buyachi, for their guidance.
“My coaches have been very helpful. Lawi has been isolating me and teaching me a few things, which eventually worked. I always give my best, and leave the rest to God,” he said.
Buyachi, in turn, lauded his young protégé, tipping him as a wonderkid of his generation.
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“He is a special kid. Coming from Chipu, coming back, training well, and gelling with the team. His time is now. He is ripe to go to another level,” he said.
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