Every year on 20 October, Kenya pauses to honour its heroes. Mashujaa Day recognises the men and women whose service, sacrifice and achievement have shaped the nation, and among them are the sportsmen and sportswomen who have carried our flag onto the world stage.

Kenya’s sporting story is a proud one. In athletics, rugby, cricket, football, volleyball and beyond, our athletes have earned the country a reputation far greater than its size. Some have received national honours for it. Kenya Rugby greats Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange have been awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) for representing Kenya at the highest level with distinction.

At DBA Africa, we are lucky to have legends of the game within our own community. Through our academies and programmes, they give young players something no textbook can: lessons learnt over years at the top. This Mashujaa Day, we want to say thank you to some of them.

Andrew Amonde
Few names in Kenyan rugby carry as much weight. Andrew made his debut for the Simbas in 2007, was called up to the national sevens side, Shujaa, in 2008 and became captain in 2012. His defining moment came in 2016, when he led Kenya to a 30–7 win over Fiji in Singapore, the country’s first-ever World Sevens Series title. He also captained Kenya at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and retired as the country’s second most-capped sevens player. Currently serves as the DBA Rugby Ambassador.

Patrice Agunda
Patrice played 15 seasons for Kenya Harlequins, five of them as captain, and represented Kenya in fifteens and sevens at every level, including as vice-captain of the Under-19 and Under-20 sides. He spent five seasons with Shujaa on the World Sevens Series between 2011 and 2015, a period that included a Rugby World Cup Sevens semi-final. He continued to develop his coaching career with an elite exchange programme alongside Japan’s national team in 2024, and has since been appointed Head Coach of Harlequins. Patrice supports DBA Africa as a coach and with sporting equipment from his brand.

Philip Wamae
A KCB player who earned his Kenya Sevens call-up for the Safari Sevens, Philip has given the game more than a decade of service. Philip captained KCB Rugby club during their most successful years bringing home 3 kenya cup titles, a couple of 7s circuit cups and national colours representation.

Adelide Mukhebi
A DBA Africa U11s coach with over 6 years playing experience and over 10years in refing and coaching. She has been a strong advocate for Women in Sport.

These are just a few of the many men and women in our community who have given more than ten years to the game. Their commitment on and off the pitch has helped make Kenyan rugby what it is today, and they continue to give back by guiding the next generation.

Beyond the final whistle

Our mission is to change lives through sport, and that includes the lives of those who have given so much to it. A playing career ends, but the experience, discipline and leadership it builds do not. We are committed to helping our legends find meaningful opportunities after playing, whether in coaching, mentorship or careers beyond the game.

To every hero who has worn the jersey and served the game: asante sana.

Happy Mashujaa Day from all of us at DBA Africa.