Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially welcomed the rugby world to the "City under the Sun" as the capital gears up to host the opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby SVNS 2 series. With teams from across the globe arriving for the showdown at Nyayo National Stadium, Sakaja declared Nairobi ready to deliver a world-class sporting spectacle.

The tournament, set for this weekend, marks a historic milestone for Kenya, being the first time the country is hosting a leg of the prestigious World Rugby sevens series. Sakaja described the event as a vote of confidence in Nairobi’s infrastructure and organizational capacity. "It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome the world to Nairobi," Sakaja said. "This is a historic moment not only for our city but for the entire rugby fraternity."

Nairobi Ready for Liftoff

The Governor has assured visitors of a seamless experience, with enhanced security and traffic management plans in place around the stadium. He emphasized that the tournament is more than just a game; it is a catalyst for sports tourism and a chance to showcase Nairobi’s vibrant culture. "Feel the energy, embrace the culture, and enjoy the game," he urged the international guests.

The stakes are high for the home teams. Shujaa (Men) and the Lionesses (Women) will be looking to use the home advantage to start their campaign for promotion back to the top tier on a high note. The roar of the home crowd at Nyayo is expected to be the "eighth player" driving them forward.

• Historic Host: Nairobi becomes the focus of the rugby world as it hosts the inaugural leg of the SVNS 2 series.
• The Teams: Shujaa will battle heavyweights like the USA and Uruguay, while the Lionesses take on Brazil and China.
• Sakaja`s Call: The Governor has rallied Nairobians to fill the stadium and show the world the true Kenyan spirit.

A Sporting Destination

Hosting the HSBC SVNS 2 is a strategic win for Nairobi, positioning it as a premier destination for major international events. Sakaja’s administration is keen to leverage this success to bid for more global tournaments in the future.

As the whistle blows for the first match, Nairobi will not just be watching; it will be celebrating its arrival on the big stage of global rugby hosting. Karibu Nairobi.