On Sunday, the Kenya Lionesses made history by winning the first leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series in Cape Town, defeating Argentina 17-12 in a thrilling final. But this victory is about more than just winning. For young girls across Kenya, it is a symbol of hope, proving that they, too, can dream of playing rugby at the highest level.

For years, rugby has been seen as a male-dominated sport, but the Kenya Lionesses are breaking barriers and showing that women’s rugby in Kenya has an exciting future. Their success is inspiring a new generation of female athletes, giving young girls role models to look up to and believe in.

The Rise of Women’s Rugby in Kenya

Over the years, sports development in Africa has made strides toward gender inclusivity, and Kenyan women continue to prove that they belong on the world stage. However, the journey has not been easy. The Kenya Lionesses have faced challenges such as limited funding, fewer training resources, and a lack of media visibility compared to their male counterparts. Yet, their triumph in Cape Town is proof that women in sports deserve equal recognition, investment, and opportunity.

At DBA Africa, we have always been passionate supporters of women’s sports in Kenya. Many of our past and present coaches have played for the Kenya Lionesses, giving us firsthand insight into the challenges and potential of female rugby players. That’s why, at the start of 2025, we made an exciting commitment to prioritise the development of women’s sports across all our academies and future programs.

DBA Africa’s Commitment to Women’s Rugby and Sports Development

At DBA Africa, we believe that investing in women’s sports development is essential to creating a stronger and more inclusive future for rugby. That’s why we are taking proactive steps to:

• Expand female-focused training programs within our academies.
• Mentor young female rugby players at the grassroots level.
• Advocate for increased funding and visibility for women’s rugby in Kenya.

By providing more opportunities for young girls to train, compete, and grow in rugby, we are ensuring that the next generation of Kenya Lionesses has a clear pathway to success.

A Bright Future for Women’s Rugby in Kenya

With continued support, the Kenya Lionesses have a strong chance of qualifying for the HSBC SVNS Play-Off and earning a spot in the world’s elite rugby sevens series. Their victory in Cape Town is proof that when given equal opportunities, women’s rugby in Kenya can thrive.

At DBA Africa, we are excited to be part of this journey. We will continue to champion women’s sports development, ensuring that young girls see a future in rugby and have the support they need to achieve greatness.

Now is the time to rally behind women in sports and recognize the immense potential of female athletes in Kenya. The Kenya Lionesses have shown us what’s possible—let’s keep pushing forward and building a brighter future for women’s rugby in Kenya!