Lurambi derby on the cards as 2025/26 Kenya Cup season begins

Dear rugby fans, the Kenya Cup is back!

The 2025/26 Kenya Cup season kicks off on Saturday, 22 November, with six matches lined up across the country.

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This season welcomes varsity sides Daystar Falcons and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, who earned promotion to the top tier. They replace South Coast Pirates and Mwamba RFC, who dropped to the Championship after relegation.

Postponements, walkovers galore as KRU Championship kicks off

Kabras RFC vs MMUST Rugby – Kakamega Showground (4 p.m.)

MMUST face a tough welcome to top-flight rugby as they take on four-time defending champions Kabras RFC at the Kakamega Showground. The neighborhood rivalry promises an intense battle for Lurambi bragging rights.

The Sugarmen, who remain in scintillating 15s form, look ready to pick up from where they left off last season. They recently beat Kisumu RFC 17-5 in a preseason test, a result that underlines their readiness.

MMUST, however, are out to prove their promotion was no fluke. Coach John Asila believes his charges are prepared for the challenge.

“We respect Kabras. They are a very strong side, but we have prepared well and plan to compete from the first whistle. We know what to expect, and we want to show them that we can play at this level,” said Asila.

Menengai Oilers vs Daystar Falcons – Nakuru ASK Showground (4 p.m.)

Last season’s runners-up, Menengai Oilers, welcome newly promoted Daystar Falcons in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Fresh from defending their Impala Floodlights title, the Oilers will not take any chances as they aim for the elusive Kenya Cup crown. Their first test comes here.

Head coach Gibson “Gibu” Weru expressed confidence during the Floodies that his squad is ready. Now, it’s time to prove it.

Falcons, meanwhile, will be eager to show that their rise to the top league is deserved. They’ll throw everything into this contest against a stubborn Oilers side that rarely drops points at home.

Menengai Oilers coach on how Floodies lessons will shape their Kenya Cup campaign

KCB Rugby vs Impala RFC – KCB Ruaraka Sports Club (4 p.m.)

The Bankers host Impala RFC in a clash that carries a lot of history.

Their most recent meeting came in March 2025, when KCB thrashed Impala 64–9.

That day, KCB were under Oliver Mang’eni, while Impala were guided by Louis Kisia. Both tacticians have since moved on.

KCB enter this season opener hoping to redeem themselves after a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Impala Floodlights. Impala placed fourth after falling to KU Blak Blad in the third-place playoff.

Nondescripts vs Kisumu RFC – Ngong Racecourse (4 p.m.)

Nondies return to action after an impressive outing in the Floodies, where they finished second despite falling 34–20 to Menengai Oilers. They dominated most set pieces in that final and will be keen to carry that momentum forward.

Kabras RFC coach Carlos Katywa voices frustration over ESS changes

This fixture is a repeat of last season’s relegation playoff thriller, where Kisumu RFC beat Nondies 17–14 to retain their Kenya Cup slot.

Kisumu now have Howard Okwemba back at the helm. His last stint with Kisumu was in 2018, when he led them to promotion after winning the Championship. He most recently coached South Coast Pirates in the 2019/20 season.

Nondies are under the calm and unassuming guidance of Moses Wanyaga, who hopes to steer them to new heights.

KU Blak Blad vs Strathmore Leos – Kenyatta University (4 p.m.)

These two varsity giants renew their rivalry after Blak Blad claimed the derby 39–31 in March—a result that secured their sixth-place finish last season.

Blak Blad, fresh from a third-place performance at the Floodies, will be eager to replicate that spark.

Strathmore Leos, who also finished sixth, will equally be out to make a statement.

Kenya Harlequin vs Nakuru RFC – RFUEA Grounds (3 p.m.)

Quins will be looking to start strong after losing several key players in the off-season. Nakuru, on the other hand, will chase early wins to build momentum and assert themselves quickly in the campaign.

2025/26 Kenya Cup Week 1 Fixtures and Venues

Kabras Sugar vs MMUST – Kakamega Showground (4pm)

Menengai Oilers vs Daystar Falcons– Nakuru ASK Showground (4p.m.)

KCB Rugby vs Impala RFC– KCB Ruaraka Sports Club (4p.m)

Nondescripts vs Kisumu RFC – Ngong Racecourse (4p.m)

KU Blak Blad vs Strathmore Leos– Kenyatta University (4 p.m.)

Kenya Harlequin vs Nakuru RFC – RFUEA Grounds (3p.m)