In a display of raw power and tactical brilliance, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars have solidified their status as Kenya’s premier university rugby force, clinching the 2025 Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Rugby 7s Championship with an unbeaten campaign.
The triumph, sealed with a nail-biting 17-14 final victory over Zimbabwe’s Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) at KCB Sports Club, underscores JKUAT’s relentless prowess on the sevens circuit and signals their growing continental ambitions.
The final was a thriller, with JKUAT’s forwards setting a ferocious tone early. Standout winger Karl Omitto ignited the crowd with two blistering tries, exploiting gaps in ZEGU’s defense for 10 points. Prop Clyde Nyayoto bulldozed over for a crucial third try, while fly-half Davis Masinga slotted a conversion to edge the scoreline.
Trailing 14-12 midway, the Cougars’ composure shone through, their backline’s speed and offloads proving decisive in the dying minutes. “This is more than a win; it’s a testament to our brotherhood and preparation,” beamed Coach Smith Muhoya Mathenge.
Muhoya added that the win is a result of hard work and sacrifices by the team. “We mostly train between May and September, which is also the long holiday period. It takes dedication to be there and put in the effort,” the Coach said.
JKUAT’s path to glory was paved with dominance. They stormed the quarterfinals with a 33-7 demolition of Maseno University, where Nyayoto’s hat-trick of tries lit up the pitch. The semi-finals saw a clinical 17-0 shutout of the University of Eldoret, showcasing airtight defense that conceded zero points across the knockout stages. Their tournament ledger; five wins and a solitary opening draw against Kenyatta University, marks them as the undisputed kings.
As FASU champions, JKUAT now eyes the FISU Games in South Africa, where they’ll carry Kenya’s hopes on the global stage. This latest jewel in JKUAT’s crown builds on a blistering 2025 form line that has the rugby fraternity buzzing.
Just six weeks prior, in August, the Cougars lifted the prestigious Christie 7s Challenge Trophy in Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds, edging Kisumu RFC 19-10 in a gritty Division Two final.
The victory not only boosted morale but affirmed JKUAT’s investment in youth development, churning out talents like U20 star Willy Tino, now signed by Kenya Harlequins for the National 7s Circuit.
Critics once dismissed JKUAT as upstarts; now, they’re architects of a dynasty. With alumni feeding pro ranks and women’s teams on the horizon, the Cougars embody rugby’s inclusive roar – a warning to rivals
Ahead of the continental show, Coach Muhoya says the team will strengthen execution of attack and defense with a comprehensive skills build-up.
