Varsities 15s Rugby Competition Launched

16 universities including the University of Nairobi will participate in the Kuza Kizazi Rugby 15s inter-university competitions slated for the months of October and November 2021. Kuza Kizazi will sponsor all the rugby teams.

“Universities have been associated with the development of Rugby in the country for many years. Most of the elite players in the national league are either former university students or current university students. The University teams, like our own Mean machine has continued to be part of the national success in the 7s rugby team.” Were remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama at the official launch of the Kuza Kizazi Rugby 15 aside.

Prof. Kiama spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellors from the participating universities. He also acknowledged the fact that universities lack sufficient financial resources to nature and develop abundant talents and thus competitions like the Kuza Kizazi are integral in filling in the financial gap and helping to grow students’ talents.

On his part, the Director Sports at the University of Nairobi and the President, Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF), Mr. Mbaabu Muriithi noted that sports is integral in building character in the youth.

“The business of sports across the board is to build character of the youth. The fact that you play by certain rules and regulations translates into good character. The corporate world is looking for such characters; and that is one of the key roles that sports plays in universities.  

 While Kuza Kizazi’s Managing Director, Mr. Philip Kabila explained the vision of his organization to encourage the youth to take up sports instead of relying on white collar jobs for survival. He vowed to continue scouting and developing talents among the youth.

Also speaking at the launch was a representative of the State Department of Sports, Mr. Richard Ombeba. Mr. Ombeba an alumni of the University of Nairobi notified the audience that the State Department was working towards improving sports in Kenya and utilizing various partnerships to achieve the same.

The universities that will participate in the Kuza Kizazi Rugby 15s include: University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Masinde Muliro University, Technical University of Kenya, Cooperative University, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Mombasa, Meru University, Egerton, Kabarak, Moi University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kisii University, University of Embu and Kibabii University.  These competitions will go a long way in promoting talent among the youth and instilling a sense of hard work, discipline and teamwork.