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Kenya finally look to be building towards the future after announcing a surprising new-look squad for the opening rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai (3-4 Dec) and George (10-11 Dec).

2008/2009 World Series top try-scorer Collins Injera is the most notable omission with Lavin Asego, Innocent Simiyu, Biko Adema and Gray Cullen also unavailable.

Gray Cullen, who made an impact at the Commonwealth Games, is injured and will stay home for treatment and checks.

Nakuru’s forward Edwin Shimenga was the surprise inclusion, returning from almost two years in rugby wilderness and drafted in from outside the wider 24-man training squad.

The player last featured for Kenya during the 2008 IRB World Sevens Series in Hong Kong and Adelaide.
Impala fly-half Peter Ocholla also returns from a long lay-off after he sustained a career-threatening leg injury in 2008.

Patrice Agunda and David Ambunya of Kenya Harlequins are set to earn their maiden international caps. 

Collins Injera’s elder brother Humphrey Kayange retains the captaincy with Nakuru’s Gibson Weru again taking up the vice-captaincy role.

“We expect at least 16 points from the two opening legs,” said Willy Ombisi, Kenya’s Team Manager.

“This is part of our rebuilding plans. We want to try as many combinations as possible with several players as we strategise for 2016 Olympics.

“Cullen is undergoing treatment and checks and that is why Shimenga’s experience and ball-handling skills will be vital for the team,” said Ombisi.

“Ocholla is on fire after sufficient recovery from a serious injury. He should fit in well with the absence of Asego and Biko.”