Strathmore Leos seek to retain the Embu Sevens title at the Moi Stadium in Embu this weekend.
The Madaraka-based side are using the tournament as preparation for the nationals sevens circuit, which starts in a fortnight with the Christie Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds.
Coach Willis Ojal said the tournament will indicate where they are as a team.
"It's an opportunity to see where we are and get some lessons as we prepare for the opening leg of the circuit later this month," said Ojal.
The students headline Pool 'A' alongside Kabarak University, Embu University and Jeremiah Nyagah Training Institute.
Title contenders, Menengai Oilers, will field two sides with the Cream side the frontrunners in Pool 'B' where they are up against Administration Police Warriors, Chuka Vikings and Kenyatta University's Blak Blad.
The second side, Zuri, are in Pool 'D' alongside Kenya Methodist University, Impala Saracens and Mean Machine.
Coach Gibson Weru is keen to see how his two sides will execute the various facets of the game.
“We have had a robust training period preparing for the nationals Sevens circuit. Embu will tell us where we are in terms of play as we look at building momentum,” said Weru.
The former Kenya Sevens playmaker is confident the fringe players will perform in the absence of three key players.
John Okoth is with the national team, Shujaa, in Miramas, France, preparing for the Olympic Games later this month.
Abdultwalib Wesonga and Beldad Ogeta are with the Kenya Simbas in readiness for the Africa Cup in Uganda next weekend.
“I believe in depth and ability to churn out players who can step up. We hope to see them seize the opportunity," noted Weru.
Catholic University Monks are the team to watch in Pool 'C' and should make light work of Kabete Stallions, Kirinyaga Stallions and Machakos University.
Pool 'E' has Northern Suburbs, Murang'a Trojans, Rugby on the Road and Rongai Morans.
The top two teams advance to the quarterfinals.
Embu RFC chairman Abijah Bosire wants fans to turn up in large numbers for the two-day tournament, whose plans are complete.
