Mean Machine feted during UoN’s 75th graduation ceremony

University of Nairobi rugby side Mean Machine RFC have been feted by the institution for their impressive performance in the 2026 National 7s Circuit.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe team earned recognition as the university’s best-performing sports team during the institution’s 75th graduation ceremony.The recognition came after Mean Machine clinched the Division Two title at the Embu 7s, a result that earned them promotion to Division One and gave the side an opportunity to compete against some of the country’s top teams at the prestigious Christie 7s.Billions Springboks pocketed from Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against New ZealandSpeaking during the graduation ceremony held on Friday, 18 September, at the Chancellor’s Court on the university’s Main Campus, Vice Chancellor Professor Ayub Gitau praised the rugby team for its efforts and its progress into the top tier of the National 7s Circuit.“I want to commend our rugby team, Mean Machine, for the tremendous effort they have put in this season. Winning the Division Two title at the Embu 7s and earning promotion to Division One was a significant achievement for the University of Nairobi,” Professor Gitau said.The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the challenge the students faced when they stepped up to Division One at the Christie 7s, where they came up against more established sides.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968579##“We were proud to see them compete at the Christie 7s against some of the country’s top teams. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, discipline and determination shown by our students, and we encourage them to continue raising the university’s flag high in sport,” he added.Mean Machine’s promotion to Division One came after a surprise triumph in Embu, where they secured the Division Two title to book their place in the top tier for the Christie 7s the following weekend. They defeated Northern Suburbs 22-10 in the final.However, the jump in competition proved difficult for the University of Nairobi side at the RFUEA Grounds.Scottish, French sides highlight confirmed teams for Safari7sDrawn in Pool B, Mean Machine opened their Division One campaign with a narrow 15-12 defeat to KU Blak Blad before going down 22-7 to Kenya Cup heavyweights Kabras Sugar.They suffered another narrow defeat in their final pool match, losing 12-10 to NYS Spades, which saw them crash out of the pool stages.Despite failing to progress, the appearance in Division One marked an important step for the university side following their promotion from the second tier.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968559##The Christie 7s also provided Mean Machine with an opportunity to launch their new jerseys, with the kits supplied through the Give Rugby Foundation.The recognition at the graduation ceremony therefore capped a notable period for the university’s rugby programme, which continues to use the National 7s Circuit to develop its players and compete at a higher level.The University of Nairobi’s 75th graduation ceremony celebrated more than 3,000 graduands from the 2025/2026 academic year.Menengai Oilers breakout star out to showcase ‘Gen Z game’ with Kenya 7s