•The bankers are without Shujaa trio of Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati and Festus Shiasi while Michael Wanjala is with the Simbas squad in Uganda.
• Last season's runners-up, Kabras, face Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC, and Catholic Monks in Pool 'B'.
The race to the national Sevens circuit starts this weekend with the Christie sevens at the RFUEA ground.
It promises to be a tournament full of thrills and surprises with key players from the top clubs away with Shujaa at the Olympics in Paris and the Rugby Africa Cup tournament in Uganda.
Defending champions and series holders KCB are in Pool 'A' alongside Nondies, Homeboyz and Impala.
KCB Sevens coach Dennis Mwanja expects competitive contests in the pool but has backed his charges to deliver.
"We have a good crop of players coming through. We are more than ready for the challenge ahead," said Mwanja.
The bankers are without Shujaa trio of Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati and Festus Shiasi while Michael Wanjala is with the Simbas squad in Uganda.
Mwanja will rely on Elvis Olukusi, Levi Amunga, Austin Sikutwa, Bob Muhati, Peter Kilonzo and Davis Chenge and new signings Davuis Nyaundi and Tyson Maina.
Last season's runners-up, Kabras, face Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC, and Catholic Monks in Pool 'B'.
"It's going to be exciting to see what some of our new talents can offer," said Kabras coach Felix Ayange.
"It's a competitive pool but my boys are up to the task."
Strathmore Leos, winners of the Embu Sevens a fortnight ago are the favourites in Pool 'C' where they face hosts Quins, Blak Blad and Daystar Falcons.
Coach Willis Ojal believes his charges have the momentum heading to the series opener.
“Winning in Embu has given us belief that we can achieve great things in the Sevens season. The boys are in good shape and we are looking forward to this tournament," noted Ojal.
Menengai Oilers headline Pool 'D' where they are up against Mwamba RFC, Masinde Muliro and the University of Eldoret (UOE).
Coach Gibson Weru has named a formidable squad for the two-day rugby extravaganza.
They include captain Crispin Shitundo, Samuel Mwaura, Steve Arunga, Celestine Mboi and Clarkson Keegan.
The top two in each pool qualify for the quarterfinals.
Winners of every leg will pocket Sh100,000 while silver and bronze medallists will take home Sh50,000 and Sh25,000 respectively.