Salim Mvurya Clarifies Financial Incentives Kenya Lionesses Stand to Gain If They Beat South Africa to Africa 7s Title

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has cleared the air over the potential financial incentives Kenya Lionesses Stand to gain should they clinch the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s tournament on home soil.

Kenya is hosting the tournament for the first time since 2014 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with the side eager to win back the trophy they last won in 2018, but they will be up against it, considering Cecil Africa’s South Africa will be eager to shush the home crowd and clinch it again.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Responding to a question by Pulse Sports’ Mark Kinyanjui during the launch of the tournament at the RFUEA Grounds on Thursday, Mvurya refused to reveal whether there was an incentive set aside for the players should they have gone on to win it.

Mvurya’s comments come amid a broader government push to financially recognize sporting excellence.

 Recent incentives have seen Harambee Stars footballers who featured in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as they reached the quarter finals  received up to 5 million shillings each, while the Harambee Starlets earned similar rewards after qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Sports Permanent Secretary Elijah Mwangi had emphasised in an interview with Sporty FM last September that such bonus schemes will be expanded across disciplines. 

“Some used to say that we give promises but don’t deliver. In sports, when we give a promise, we deliver,” Mwangi stated, highlighting a new national sports policy aimed at improving athlete welfare and federation governance.

Under this policy, athletes breaking records in events ranging from athletics to martial arts receive a guaranteed 5 million shillings bonus. Olympic medalists also stand to gain substantial cash rewards, with gold winners receiving 3 million shillings.

The Lionesses will be hunting their second continental title in 14 editions of the Africa 7s competition. They narrowly lost to South Africa 17-10 last year in Accra, Ghana, where the Lady Boks secured their 11th crown.

As the tournament kicks off on home turf, expectations are high both on and off the pitch, with the promise of government support adding motivation for Kenya’s women’s rugby stars.