In Kakamega, Western Kenya, rugby is doing more than building athletes, it’s building futures. The DBA Africa x Kabras RFC Girls Rugby Academy is harnessing the power of sport to give girls a platform to grow, lead, and thrive in every area of their lives.

This all-girls academy brings together players aged 11 to 26 in a safe, supportive space where they can train, share, and succeed. But it’s more than tackling and passing drills, the academy creates an empowering environment where girls are encouraged to stay in school, speak up, and take charge of their own futures.

For many of these girls, sport is a change-maker. The academy has helped reduce school dropouts, prevent early marriages, address gender-based violence, and offer second chances to young women facing difficult circumstances. Through structured coaching and consistent mentorship, girls not only learn life skills, but they also have fun, form friendships, and find a sense of belonging.

By focusing specifically on girls, the academy is breaking down long-standing barriers around gender and sport in Western Kenya. It challenges the idea that rugby is only for boys and instead uses the game to build resilience, teamwork, leadership, and self-worth in young women, on and off the field.

Backed by DBA Africa and local rugby powerhouse Kabras RFC, the programme shows that when girls are given equal access to quality sport, they can rise and flourish. Kabras RFC, current Kenya Cup champions co-founded the academy with DBA Africa to support the development of the women’s game, as well as uplift the surrounding community through sport.

With Kenya’s Lionesses performing impressively on the international stage, the potential of women’s rugby in Kenya is clear. This academy is not only developing future stars of the game but also creating opportunities and experiences that didn’t exist before. For girls who love rugby but previously lacked access to clubs or coaching, this academy is a game-changer.

The academy currently trains at the Agricultural Show Ground in Lurambi, Kakamega, home to Kabras RFC. Sessions run year-round, with players grouped into various age brackets. Training for junior girls takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday during school holidays, and Saturday and Sunday during the school term. Senior players train on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday during holidays, and on Monday, Saturday, and Sunday during the term.