The government has turned to the rugby field in an unconventional move to tackle Kenya’s worsening health habits.

This will be achieved by partnering with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to promote fitness, wellness, and preventive healthcare across the country.

The deal, sealed on Friday at the KRU Grounds, brings together the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Kenya Rugby Union in what officials describe as a “game-changing” collaboration aimed at using sport as a vehicle for national health awareness.

The Ministry of Health (MoH), in a statement shared via social media on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, said the signing ceremony was witnessed by Principal Secretary for Health, Dr Ouma Oluga, SHA Director of Corporate Services, Ibrahim Alio, and KRU Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Odundo.

“The Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially entered into a partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to promote health, fitness, and overall well-being through sport. The signing ceremony, held at the KRU Grounds, was witnessed by Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Ibrahim Alio, Director of Corporate Services at SHA, and Thomas Odundo, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Rugby Union,” the statement read in part.

Disease prevention and wellness

During the event, Oluga said the initiative is part of a broader government effort to shift Kenyans from a treatment-centered mindset to one focused on prevention and wellness.

“We have officially partnered with the Kenya Rugby Union because there is no better expression of comprehensive well-being than through sport. The story of the Social Health Authority embodies the full well-being of the healthcare system and the people we serve,” Oluga was quoted by the MoH.

SHA engagement with youth

He added that the partnership would not only promote physical activity but also strengthen SHA’s engagement with young people and communities—encouraging early registration for health coverage and awareness of lifestyle diseases.

According to the Ministry of Health, rugby was identified as a strategic partner because of its strong youth following, discipline, and team-orientated culture.

Officials believe leveraging sports can drive a new national health consciousness.

“This partnership is forged on merit, trust, and shared purpose — demonstrating how collaboration between health and sport can help build a stronger, healthier nation,” Oluga noted.