Kisumu Development receiving their trophy from Governor James Orengo,📸 : Courtesy Ministry of Rugby
Kisumu Development’s U23 side were crowned champions of the 2025 Betika BingwaFest Nyanza Edition after edging Kisii University 12–08 in a heated grand finale at Siaya KMTC grounds on Sunday evening.
The three-day rugby extravaganza drew in hundreds of fans, with the youthful Kisumu outfit standing tall after an impressive run of results. Their campaign began with a 10–10 draw against Kisii University before dispatching Kanga 28–0. On Day Two, they thrashed Rongo 37–0 in their last pool match, overcame Siaya Development 17–3 in the quarters, and squeezed past Winam 12–10 in a tense semifinal.
The final lived up to expectations as Kisumu and Kisii University battled for dominance in front of an electric Siaya crowd. Kisumu’s discipline at the breakdown and sharp finishing proved decisive, crowning them the new kings of BingwaFest.
In the women’s category, Nyagichencha claimed gold, Sidindi settled for silver, while Nyakongo bagged bronze. Among the men, Kisii University took silver while Winam secured bronze.
Elsewhere, Winam Development’s 36–0 demolition of Kroka TTI, JOOUST’s 17–12 victory over Homa Bay, and Kisii Polytechnic’s fine performances in the women’s fixtures stood out as highlights.
Organizers and fans hailed the tournament’s success, noting that BingwaFest continues to cement its place as a vital grassroots platform for nurturing rugby talent and fostering regional pride.
With Kisumu Development lifting the 2025 crown,they also bagged a price money of one million Kenya shilling, all eyes will be on how the young champions build on their momentum in upcoming Kenya cup campaign that kicks off in a months time.
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