Published on May 29, 2026 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 7 hours by Kariuki Mwangi
Mpeketoni Boys High School has officially been identified and nominated as the Rugby Development Centre in Lamu County, marking a major milestone for the growth of rugby in the coastal region.
The school will now serve as a central training and gaming hub for rugby activities in Lamu, giving schools, clubs, and rugby lovers a place to nurture talent and promote the sport across the county.
The development was highlighted during a rugby balls donation ceremony courtesy of Waridi Foundation, led by youth and community leader Jenniffer Wairimu, popularly known as “Waridi Wa Miradi.” The Lamu women Rep aspirant in 2027.
The donation was made in recognition of Mpeketoni Boys High School’s impressive regional rugby victory last year and as a way of encouraging the team to continue excelling while inspiring more young people to join the sport.
Speaking during the event, Waridi reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment through sports, noting that Waridi Foundation has consistently organized rugby tournaments in Lamu since 2017 to support talent development and keep young people engaged positively.
The impact is already being felt, with one of Lamu’s own rugby talents, Asega John, rising through the ranks to represent Kenya Under-19 in Zimbabwe a testament to the growing potential of rugby in the region.
Waridi further called upon the County Government of Lamu to increase support for rugby through provision of jerseys, rugby balls, training equipment, and sponsorship for teams travelling outside Lamu for tournaments and competitions.
She also appealed to the National Government and the Kenya Rugby Union to continue supporting rugby development in Lamu County, especially initiatives such as the annual Lamu7s tournament, which has continued to grow and attract young talent from across the region.
The Foundation expressed hope for an even bigger and more impactful annual rugby tournament this coming August where winner will go home with 50,000/- and other goodies like jersey, aimed at expanding opportunities for young players and strengthening Lamu’s position as an emerging rugby powerhouse in Kenya.
Leaders and sports stakeholders have welcomed the move, saying the establishment of a rugby development centre in Mpeketoni will open doors for more young players to access opportunities both nationally and internationally.
As rugby continues gaining popularity in Lamu County, stakeholders are now calling for more support, investment, and partnerships to help nurture the next generation of sports stars.
