Kenya Cup 2023/24

The Kenya Cup stands as the premier domestic rugby union competition in Kenya. Organized by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the tournament has operated since 1970, originally established under the name Kenya Rugby Football Union. It serves as the highest level for first-XV clubs within the national structure. The league sits above the second-tier KRU Championship, also referred to as the Nationwide League, with a system of promotion and relegation connecting the two divisions. The competition follows a distinct seasonal format. A regular season round-robin phase determines the standings, after which a playoff stage decides the champion. Typically, the top two teams from the league table qualify directly for the semifinals. Teams finishing between third and sixth place enter a 'Top Six' playoff stage to secure the remaining semifinal spots. The winners of those semifinals then contest the final. Under current rules, two teams are automatically relegated from the Kenya Cup, while two teams are promoted from the second tier through a knockout playoff involving the leading sides. Historical dominance has shifted over the decades. Nondescripts RFC holds the record with 17 titles, followed by Impala RFC with 10. In recent years, Kabras Sugar RFC has established a new era of success. They have won five consecutive titles, matching the previous record for consecutive wins held by Impala and Nondescripts. This streak began in the 2021/22 season and extended through 2025/26. Kabras Sugar remains the current champion. The competition is separate from the national knockout cup. The Enterprise Cup, which dates back to 1930, operates on a single-elimination basis. Clubs often attempt to win both titles, known as a 'double.' A third competition, the Eric Shirley Shield, caters primarily to club second-XVs and smaller teams rather than the top-tier first-XVs.