Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) are keen to form a national under-16 years team by next year.
Coach Paul Odera said the under-16 project will act as a feeder programme for the Under-18 squad.
The move follows successful trials for the under-18 squad a week ago at the RFUEA.
"We will organise trials again next year as we aim to introduce the U-16 age group programme,” said Odera, who handles the national under-18 team,
The approach aims at building a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring the development of rugby players starts at an even younger age.
He added: “I believe there is tremendous talent in the country at age grade levels as long as we model it along the under-18 structure. This is going to be good for the growth of rugby in the country.”
On the under-18 side, he said they plan to add the number of the selected players to 60 with the view of having half the number below 17 years in readiness for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics Games.
“We will select 60 players but half of them must be under-16 players. We must be careful with age-grade rugby because we will need a team for Dakar next year. Otherwise, we may be forced to go back to the drawing board."
The former Kenya Seven skipper also called for the introduction of a youth rugby series.
He believes such a series would provide an essential platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
“Of course, a youth series is the place to go. The young men need this to showcase what they can do,” he said.
The final 60-man squad is slated to be announced next week with Odera observing the players must meet the required age profile.
" They must have verified documents including birth certificates or passports as well as conduct Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on the players selected.
