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In recent years, a number of Kenya Sevens internationals have moved to Canada to play rugby.

The most recent one to travel to the North American country is Denis Abukuse who signed for the Westshore RFC in British Columbia earlier this month.

He joins the likes of Alvin “Buffa” Otieno, Dan Sikuta and Johnstone Olindi, who are now playing their rugby trade in Canada.

Dennis Abukuse, who featured for Kenya Sevens at the 2024 Olympic Games, is a former Bungoma High School star and Menengai Oilers winger.

He made his Kenya Sevens debut in 2022 at the Dubai Sevens.

Nelson Oyoo, who is currently farming in Njoro Kenya, spent several years in Canada chasing after more fame and fortune after exemplary service for Kenya Shujaa.

Why is Canada becoming such an attractive option for Kenyan players?

Kenya Simbas' Dan Sikuta evades a tackle during their Currie Cup First Division match against North West Leopards of South Africa at RFUEA ground on June 4, 2022.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

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Michael Kwambo, a former media and communications manager with the Kenya Rugby Union, says that for many Kenyan players, the decision is no longer just about rugby but what next?

“The reality is that professional opportunities for rugby players in Kenya remain limited, while financial rewards are often not enough to provide long-term financial security. For some of these players, rugby in Canada is more of a pastime alongside the pursuit of careers outside rugby. They can continue playing the sport they love while studying, working or building professional careers in other fields. Rugby becomes the bridge into that new environment rather than necessarily being the destination.”

“It is contacts and friends reaching out for each other with the opportunities. I’m not privy to the contracts, but I expect it is work for play, and not fully pro rugby contracts,” said Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo.

Former Kenya Lionesses coach Denis Mwanja says going to Canada allows the players to play rugby as they pursue careers outside the game.

“A player may not necessarily be earning a huge amount of money from rugby, but rugby gives them an entry point into a society where they can pursue education, employment and other opportunities. That distinction is important,” said Kwambo.

The former Impala and KCB winger reckons that the players are making a rational decision about their future.

“If rugby in Kenya cannot provide sufficient financial security or a credible pathway beyond their playing careers, then it is perfectly understandable that a young player will look elsewhere,” he said.

Menengai Oilers' Denis Abukuse during their match against Day Star in the Prinsloo Sevens tournament at Nakuru Athletic Club on August 2, 2025. Oilers won 26-5.

Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group

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“Young Kenyans are increasingly looking beyond the country because they see greater opportunities elsewhere. Rugby is simply one of the channels through which that movement is taking place,” he added.

Kwambo says that government policy, investment in rugby and addressing youth employment can reverse this trend. “Ultimately, if Kenya wants to stop losing sporting talent, it must address the reasons people are leaving. Otherwise, Canada and other destinations will continue to attract Kenyan players — not necessarily because they offer better rugby, but because they offer the possibility of a better life.”

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dmusau@ke.nationmedia.com