Action between Butula and Kitondo School at a past national championship/HANDOUTThe trials were initially slated for September 6-7. However, the dates coincide with the Kabeberi Sevens Series at the same venue.
The trialists were identified during a nationwide exercise featuring eight KRU regions — Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern, Coast, Nairobi and international schools.
Each region will present 33 players, bringing together a pool of about 260 student-athletes.
Day One of the trials combines pitch training sessions and boardroom assessments, while Day Two is dedicated to competitive matches.
The 60-man squad will later in the year be whittled down to a travelling party of 30 players ahead of an invitational tournament in Zimbabwe in January 2026 and the renowned Craven week in South Africa in July.
The selection process will be data-driven, with coaches and selectors relying on performance metrics gathered during the games.
Beyond player identification, the trials will serve as a development platform for coaches, team managers, physiotherapists, and match officials
KRU Development coordinator Ronald Okoth said they are keen to create pathways for young talent to join national teams, Shujaa and Kenya Simbas.
"We are looking at the bigger picture in the years to come, having some of the U-18 finding their way to the national teams, either in Sevens or 15s," said OKoth.
Okoth expects a competitive selection exercise.
"It will be a merit-based exercise with the various coaches involved keen to pick the best players to represent the country," said Okoth.
