The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) rugby teams are descending on Nakuru with a singular mission: total dominance. As the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) games kick off, the "Valkyries" are the team to beat.

In the high-octane world of university rugby, consistency is king, and MMUST has worn the crown with distinction. The university's women’s rugby 7s team, fresh from conquering the Western Conference, is set to defend their national title at the KUSF playoffs hosted by Kabarak University this week (Feb 19-21). For Games Tutor Geoffrey Barasa, this is not just a tournament; it is a coronation waiting to be confirmed.

"We are taking a formidable team," Barasa stated, his confidence stemming from a rigorous preparation regime that included friendly matches against top-tier clubs. "We beat Karatina University to win last year’s title, and we have every reason to believe the trophy is coming back to Kakamega."

Beyond the Try Line

The KUSF games are a massive logistical and athletic undertaking, featuring 15 indoor and 5 outdoor disciplines. While rugby remains the headline act, MMUST is fielding a multi-disciplinary squad capable of sweeping the board. The university's Scrabble team, currently the East Africa champions, is also favored to secure gold. "We won the East Africa title in Scrabble, so we have every reason to target the national title too," Barasa added.

The Competition

The playoffs will see 16 institutions battling for supremacy. Host Kabarak University will look to use home advantage, particularly in the Rift Valley conference strongholds. However, MMUST's recent performance at the "BingwaFest," where they reached the semifinals, suggests they are battle-hardened and ready for the altitude of Nakuru.

• Venue: Kabarak University, Nakuru.
• Dates: Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st February 2026.
• Key Disciplines: Rugby 7s, Scrabble, Chess, Taekwondo, Karate.

As the buses depart Kakamega for Nakuru, the message from MMUST is clear: they are not coming to participate; they are coming to dominate. For the rest of Kenya's universities, the challenge is set.