This year’s Enterprise Cup Round of 16 has expectedly been hit by a wave of walkovers, with more than half of the scheduled fixtures decided off the field due to financial and logistical constraints facing several clubs.
Defending champions Kabras Sugar progressed to the quarterfinals without taking to the field after Impala confirmed they would not be able to travel for the clash in Kakamega.
Menengai Oilers also advanced after MMUST withdrew, with sources indicating that the tournament had not been factored into the institution’s budget, making travel impossible.
In Nakuru, South Coast Pirates were forced to forfeit their match against Nakuru RFC, citing financial limitations that made the trip unfeasible. Nondies also moved on after Kisumu RFC confirmed they would not honour their fixture, while KCB earned a straightforward ticket to the last eight following Daystar Falcons’ decision to hand them a walkover.
As a result, only three fixtures are set to be played on the field:
Kenya Harlequin vs Catholic Monks
Strathmore Leos vs Zetech Oaks
Blak Blad vs Mwamba RFC
The predictable wave of withdrawals has sparked concern within the rugby fraternity, with many pointing to tightening budgets, limited sponsorship, and rising travel costs as major contributors. The situation has reignited debate over the sustainability of knockout competitions scheduled outside the regular Kenya Cup season.
Despite the setbacks, the Enterprise Cup will proceed, with quarterfinal pairings to be confirmed once the remaining fixtures conclude.
Kisumu RFC chairman Dr. Gabriel Ouma, speaking to Two5four Rugby, expressed the financial strain facing his club and many others.
“As Kisumu RFC, we always want to honour our fixtures, but sometimes the financial realities are overwhelming. Travelling across the country without adequate sponsorship is extremely costly, and this season we’ve had to prioritise our league commitments. It’s not that we don’t value the Enterprise Cup, but with the resources we currently have, some fixtures become impossible to honour.” he offered.
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