By Angelina Kamandi | August 23, 2026
Kabras Sugar RFC have been crowned the 2026 Driftwood 7s champions after defeating defending champions KCB Rugby 15-5 in a thrilling final at Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.
The Western giants produced a composed and clinical performance to overcome KCB and lift the prestigious Driftwood trophy in front of an electric coastal crowd, while also collecting valuable points in the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.
Kabras came into the final with growing confidence after an impressive run throughout the tournament. They carried that momentum into the title decider, controlling key moments of the contest and capitalising on their opportunities to secure a deserved victory.
Their route to the final included a dominant 19-0 semi-final victory over Daystar Falcons, where Kabras combined disciplined defence with clinical finishing.
KCB, meanwhile, were forced to dig deep against Menengai Oilers, edging their semi-final 10-5 after scoring the decisive try in extra time to keep their title defence alive.
Daystar Falcons completed a memorable tournament by defeating Menengai Oilers in the bronze-medal match to secure third place, marking a breakthrough podium finish for the Athi River-based side.
Earlier in the knockout stages, Kabras defeated Uganda Emerging 7s 27-5, while Daystar overcame NYS Spades 17-5. KCB narrowly beat Nondescripts 17-14, with Oilers advancing after a convincing 29-5 victory over Mwamba RFC.
The 36th edition of the Driftwood 7s brought together some of Kenya’s leading rugby sides for two days of intense competition at Mombasa Sports Club.
KCB entered the tournament as both the defending champions and the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit leaders, while Kabras arrived as one of the competition’s perennial contenders.
The tournament also attracted international attention with the return of Uganda Emerging 7s, who participated as the guest team and added a regional dimension to the competition.
Away from the pitch, the Driftwood experience continued with entertainment from artists including Bensoul and Charisma, combining high-level rugby with the vibrant coastal atmosphere that has become synonymous with the tournament.
The victory is a major boost for Kabras in the wider National Sevens Circuit standings as the season moves towards its final legs.
For one memorable weekend at the Coast, Kabras Sugar ruled the waves, dethroned the defending champions and lifted the Driftwood 7s crown.
