DBA Coaches Selected for Kenya Lionesses 15s Alignment Camp

March is globally recognised as a month to celebrate women ,and for DBA Africa we choose to celebrate the women and girls in sports, the moment carries even greater meaning. Three coaches from our rugby academy pathway , Coach Mercy Khatenje, Coach Knight Otuoma, and Coach Ann Ng'ang'a, were called up to the Kenya Lionesses 15s alignment camp held at RFUEA Grounds on 11th and 12th March 2026.

The two-day camp brought together some of the most promising female rugby players in the country picked from the ongoing Women’s Kenya Cup league as part of the national team’s preparation pathway for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and the presence of these DBA coaches reflects the growing influence of grassroots rugby development in Kenya.

For DBA Africa, it is another proud reminder that when you invest in community sport, you build national leaders.

From Community Fields to the National Team

At the heart of DBA Africa’s work is the belief that sport is a powerful tool for social development, creating safe environments where young people more so girls can build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. 

That philosophy can be seen through its growing network of academies across Kenya, including the DBA Rugby Academy in Nairobi and the DBA x Kabras Girls Rugby Academy in Western Kenya. Each of the three coaches plays a critical role in shaping young athletes within this ecosystem of development.

Coach Mercy Khatenje: Championing Girls Rugby in Western Kenya

Coach Mercy Khatenje, who actively plays for the four peat women’s kenya cup champions, Mwamba Rugby Club, is based at the DBA Western Girls Rugby Academy in Kakamega,she works closely with young female athletes, providing mentorship that goes beyond rugby.

Her role is particularly important in addressing the unique challenges girls face in sport, including confidence barriers and societal expectations. The Western academy offers a supportive environment where girls train regularly, gain life skills, and build strong support networks through rugby. Coach Mercy’s call-up to the national team alignment camp highlights how grassroots leadership is shaping the future of women’s rugby in Kenya.

Coach Knight Otuoma: Developing the Next Generation in Nairobi

At the DBA Nairobi Academy U13 programme, Coach Knight Otuoma, also a known match official of the game, works with young players at one of the most critical stages of their development. Already recognised within Kenyan rugby circles, Coach Knight has previously represented the Kenya Lionesses internationally while continuing to mentor youth players at DBA Rugby Academy. Her ability to balance elite performance with community coaching makes her a powerful role model for young athletes. Earning another call up to yet another alignment camp reflects the strong connection between grassroots coaching and national team pathways.

Coach Ann Ng'ang'a: Building Foundations at Under-11 Level

At the DBA Africa Nairobi Academy U11 team, Coach Ann Ng'ang'a works with the youngest athletes in the programme. Coaching at this level is about more than rugby skills, it’s about confidence building, teamwork, and creating a love for the sport that can last a lifetime. Ann’s inclusion in the list of girls called up to the alignment camp demonstrates that the impact of youth coaching stretches far beyond the training pitch, reaching all the way to the national stage.

Women Leading the Future of Rugby in Kenya

Across Kenya and East Africa, the number of girls participating in sport is still significantly lower than boys. Organisations like DBA Africa are actively working to change that narrative by expanding girls’ inclusion and programmes, training female coaches, and creating clear pathways from grassroots to elite competition.

The selection of Coach Mercy, Coach Knight, and Coach Ann for the Lionesses alignment camp is a powerful example of that progress. It sends a clear message to every young girl training in a DBA academy that their dreams are valid, their pathway is real and their future in rugby is possible.

A Growing Pathway for Women in Rugby

With academies operating in Nairobi, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Coast, DBA Africa continues to build platforms where young athletes can grow both on and off the pitch. Through regular training, mentorship programmes, and competitive opportunities like the Futures Cup, the organisation is helping develop confident young leaders while strengthening Kenya’s rugby pipeline. The call-up of three DBA coaches to the Kenya Lionesses 15s alignment camp is not just an individual achievement. It is a reflection of a system that is working, a system that is empowering girls, supporting female leadership, and shaping the future of rugby in Africa.