The 4th edition of the annual Lamu7s Rugby Tournament, under the patronage of Waridi Foundation, continues its mission to nurture sporting talent, promote sustainable tourism, and empower the youth of Lamu County.

Although 12 teams had registered, only four featured on the day: hosts Lamu7s, Mpeketoni Girls, Young Cubs, and winners Malindi Turtles. Malindi Turtles emerged victorious with a 12–0 win, defending their record as the most decorated champions in Waridi Foundation tournaments.

In a move to reward participation and nurture talent, the winners received Ksh. 20,000, while the other teams were awarded Ksh. 5,000 each. This marked a shift from previous editions, where only the winning team received a cash prize. The tournament, held at Tiger Ground, Lamu County, drew over 1,000 spectators, highlighting the growing passion for rugby in Lamu.

Coinciding with World Tourism Day, the Lamu7s embraced the theme “Sustainable Tourism” through the Plant & Play initiative, where players and partners planted 5,000 mangroves along Lamu beaches, led a town clean-up initiative, and promoted Lamu’s mainland and island tourism, including Pangani Forest, Lake Kenyatta, and the county’s 126+ bird species.

Waridi Foundation founder and Women Representative aspirant for Lamu County, Jenniffer Waridi, noted that Lamu is a one-stop destination: from the island’s sandy beaches to the mainland’s wildlife and eco-tourism gems, adding that Lamu7s blends sport, sustainability, and tourism to create opportunities for our youth.”

The annual Lamu rugby 7s was launched in 2017 when Waridi was Miss Tourism Kenya – Lamu County, the Lamu7s Rugby Tournament has grown into a platform for youth empowerment, talent development, and the promotion of underrepresented sports in Kenya.

The tournament usually takes place at Tiger Ground, Mpeketoni, while Lamu Beach Rugby is held at Wiyoni, Lamu Island, showcasing sports tourism. The next beach edition is scheduled for November 2025, featuring collaborations with Safaricom 7s, which helps expose local players to broader opportunities under the Waridi Foundation’s sponsorship.

This year’s event was graced by Lamu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mubarak, who pledged to support Lamu rugby clubs with jerseys and equipment. Also in attendance were Hon. Ndegwa, Hon. Maguathi, and Coast music legend Susumila, who not only entertained the crowd but also inspired local talent.