On October 11, 2025, Chavakali High School’s rugby team, the Spartans, donned their new Pay Hero Kenya-branded jerseys in a vibrant launch ceremony at their Vihiga County grounds. This sponsorship marks a milestone for the team, signaling a bold step toward reclaiming their dominance in Kenyan school rugby. Pay Hero Kenya, a digital payments platform championing youth and small businesses, is fueling the Spartans’ resurgence with eye-catching gear designed to shine in national tournaments like the Prescott Cup and Kenya National Schools Rugby Sevens.
Chavakali High, a national boys’ school founded in 1959, has a storied rugby legacy, producing talents like Felix Makokha (Kenya Harlequins) and Felix Okumu (CUEA Monks). After a five-year hiatus from top-tier competition, the Spartans, under coach Walumbe, are rebuilding with grit and alumni support. The timing is perfect: with the 2025 Prescott Cup registration underway and Vihiga’s recent county sevens tournament hosted at Chavakali, the team is poised for a comeback. Pay Hero’s sponsorship, unveiled amid cheers from students, staff, and alumni, included a jersey handover, motivational speeches, and a spirited scrimmage to kick off the season.
The branded jerseys aren’t just about style—they symbolize opportunity. For the Spartans, they boost morale and professionalism, critical for competing in high-stakes events like the National Secondary School Games Rugby Sevens, starting soon, and the Prescott Cup in May 2026. For Pay Hero, it’s a chance to connect with Kenya’s passionate rugby community, amplifying their brand through live-streamed matches and social media buzz. This partnership reflects a growing trend in Kenya, where companies like Brookside Dairy (with their KES 30M for 2025 school games) are investing in youth sports to foster health, education, and national pride.
As rugby sevens gains momentum post-Olympics, grassroots support like this is vital for schools like Chavakali, a hub of talent in Western Kenya’s competitive rugby scene alongside rivals like Senende Boys. The Pay Hero-Spartans collaboration is more than a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to empowering young athletes to dream big. With new jerseys and renewed spirit, the Spartans are ready to charge onto the national stage. Here’s to a season of tries, tackles, and triumphs!