Kenya Cup: KCB, Oilers and Kabras cruise as Daystar stun Quins

The 2025/26 Kenya Cup season roared back to life after the HSBC Sevens Division 2 break with dominant displays at the top and a major upset in Nairobi headlining an action-packed weekend across all tiers.

At the summit, KCB Rugby delivered the statement performance of the round, thrashing MMUST 61–15 at the Den to tighten their grip near the top of the table. The bankers ran in points at will, underlining their title credentials as the playoff race gathers momentum.

The shock of the weekend came at RFUEA Grounds, where Daystar Falcons stunned Kenya Harlequin FC 30–23 in one of their most memorable top-flight victories. The Falcons held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a famous win and dent Quins’ playoff ambitions.

Elsewhere, Menengai Oilers proved too strong for Nondescripts RFC, claiming a commanding 41–9 victory, while defending champions Kabras Sugar maintained their unbeaten run with a solid 26–16 away win over KU BlakBlad.

Nakuru RFC thrilled their home supporters with a 46–30 triumph over Impala RFC in a high-scoring encounter, as Strathmore Leos edged Kisumu RFC 43–39 in arguably the most dramatic clash of the round.

ESS leagues and Championship battles

In the ESS Eastern Conference, KCB II dismantled Impala II 103–7, while Strathmore Leos II and Nondescripts II also secured wins. In the Western Conference, Menengai Oilers II crushed Kisumu II 88–6, with several fixtures decided by walkovers.

The Championship produced tightly fought duels as teams jostled for promotion. JKUAT Cougars beat Mwamba RFC 33–23, Homeboyz RFC edged Kisii RFC 15–13, while Mean Machine, SC Pirates and Mombasa RFC all registered important victories to boost their promotion hopes.

Nationwide action intensifies

Across the Nationwide leagues, dominant wins, draws and multiple walkovers shaped the standings. Presbyterian University, MKU Thika, Kabarak University, Maseno University and JOOUST were among sides to benefit from commanding performances or automatic wins.

With only a handful of rounds remaining, the race for playoffs in the Kenya Cup, promotion from the Championship and survival across regional leagues is intensifying. The weekend’s results have set up a thrilling run-in as teams battle for silverware, promotion and pride across the country’s rugby tiers.