Former Kisumu RFC and Administration Police Rugby coach Oscar Okaron has raised alarm over the state of Kenyan club rugby, warning that continued neglect of domestic competitions is weakening the foundation of the game.
Currently coaching at Otieno Oyoo High School, Okaron believes the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup, once vibrant platforms for talent development are steadily losing relevance due to lack of sponsorship and widening financial gaps between clubs.
According to Okaron, the imbalance has left only a handful of teams truly competitive.
“At the moment, there are only three functioning clubs, Kabras, KCB and Oilers,” he said, pointing to the consistency that comes with sustained investment.
While the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has successfully attracted sponsors for national teams such as the Simbas, Shujaa and the Lionesses, Okaron questions why similar efforts have not been directed toward strengthening domestic leagues.
“If sponsorship can be secured for national teams, what makes it so difficult to find one for the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup?” he posed.
The effects, he argues, are evident on the field. Heavy and predictable score lines have become commonplace, diminishing the competitive value of league fixtures and eroding fan interest.
“When results become routine, the league loses its meaning.”he offered.
Without sponsorship, clubs outside the elite tier struggle to retain players, invest in coaching, or plan sustainably.
The result is a closed competition where the same teams dominate season after season.
“Even without changing the format, the outcome will always be the same. The same teams will reach the finals,” Okaron observed.
He believes the solution requires broader involvement, particularly from corporate Kenya.
“Corporates have the resources. They contribute billions in taxes. Taking up these leagues would transform rugby.”
Okaron’s warning is clear: without deliberate investment in domestic competitions, Kenyan rugby risks weakening its own development pipeline.
“You cannot build strong national teams on a weak league foundation.”
English