Teams learn dates ahead of 2026 Impala Floodlit Tournament

The countdown to one of Kenya's most prestigious pre-season rugby tournaments has begun after the dates for the 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit Tournament were confirmed.

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Impala Sports Club will host this year's tournament from Saturday, 17 October to Saturday, 31 October, with teams battling for early-season bragging rights in the annual competition that also serves as a curtain-raiser for the Kenya Cup.

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The action will begin with the quarterfinals on Saturday, 17 October, before the semifinals take place a week later on Saturday, 24 October. The tournament will conclude with the final on Saturday, 31 October.

Menengai Oilers will return to defend the title they successfully retained in the 2025 edition after overcoming Nondescripts in a thrilling, rain-soaked final.

The Nakuru-based side entered last year's decider determined to hold onto the trophy they had won the previous season, while Nondies were chasing their first Impala Floodlit title since 2012 after suffering heartbreak in the 2022 and 2023 finals, both against KCB.

Oilers made a dream start to the contest as captain Ibrahim Ayoo crossed over for the opening try just four minutes into the match. Nondies had an immediate opportunity to respond, but Bruce Odhiambo failed to convert a penalty, allowing the defending champions to maintain their early advantage.

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Gibson Weru's charges soon tightened their grip on the contest when Chrispine Shitundo dotted down for a converted try to stretch the lead to 12-0.

Nondies fought back through Ryan Odua to reduce the deficit to 12-7, but Oilers restored control with another try to make it 17-7 before Odua grabbed his second score to keep his side within touching distance.

The defending champions' forward dominance eventually proved decisive. A well-executed driving maul from a lineout saw Arturo power over for another try, which was converted by Omela to extend the Oilers' tally to 24 points. Odhiambo added a penalty before halftime to keep Nondies in the contest.

Nondies emerged from the break with renewed energy, and winger Lamec Ambetsa finished off a sweeping move to cut the deficit to 24-20 and set up a tense finale.

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However, Oilers quickly responded through the pace of Beldad Ogeta, who sliced through the defence before racing 40 metres for a stunning solo try that restored breathing space for the champions.

A late penalty before the 70th minute further extended the Oilers' advantage to 32 points, and they remained composed in the closing stages to seal back-to-back Impala Floodlit titles.

Impala Floodlit Most Successful Teams

KCB Rugby 10 titles (2005, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023)

Mean Machine 9 titles (1984, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2004, 2006, 2011)

Impala RFC 7 titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2016)

Barclays 4 titles (1985, 1987, 1989, 1992)

Mwamba RFC 3 titles (1986, 1988, 2008)

Nondescripts (1983, 2002, 2012)

Menengai Oilers (2024, 2025)

Strathmore Leos (2011)