The Simbas will play Uganda in a two-legend Elgon Cup in November, team manager Jimmi Mnene has revealed.
The first leg is due November 2 in Kampala with the second a week later in Nairobi.
Mnene said preparations for the encounters will begin upon the conclusion of the National Sevens Series late next month.
“We want to start planning and preparations immediately after the Sevens circuit," said Mnene.
"We believe there is adequate time to be in good shape for the two matches. At the same time, most of the Kenya Cup sides will be starting their pre-season which will be ideal for us.”
The Simbas will seek redemption after a dismal showing in the Africa Cup. They finished fourth in Kampala after falling 20-12 to Algeria in the semifinals and 37-28 to Namibia in the bronze medal match.
“It's an opportunity to send a message to them (Uganda) and at the same time start our preparations for next year's Rugby World Cup qualifiers. Incidentally, we will play Uganda in the quarterfinal,” added Mnene.
Last year, the teams shared the victories with Uganda winning 21-20 in Kampala to bag the Victoria Cup with the Simbas avenging the one-point loss with a hard-fought 20-13 victory in Kisumu.
Kenya Rugby Union chairman Alexander Mutai targets the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
“We know where we are as a team from last month's Africa Cup. We must work hard since Africa has only one slot despite the World Cup being expanded to 24 teams (from 20). The path is toughest but I am confident the boys will pull through,” said Mutai.
He said the Kenya Cup and Sevens Series are a plus for the Simbas since their major rivals, Zimbabwe and Namibia, do not have such robust competitions.
"We have an advantage that we can capitalise on to ensure we are crowned African champions," said Mutai.
Mutai made the remarks as the Simbas received a Sh1.5 million boost for the Elgon Cup from Amara, a subsidiary of Haco Industries. This will cater to preparations ahead of the matches against Uganda.
