Kenya Simbas picked up yet another important 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup victory on Saturday at their Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds in Nairobi, beating arch-rivals Uganda Rugby Cranes 38-22 to make it three consecutive wins.
They also lifted the regional Elgon Cup as the match doubled as the second leg after Kenya won the first34-16 in Kampala on 26 May.
"Like I had predicted this was a very tough game. But I am happy that my players remained focused and won the game with five tries scored. Winning three games in the qualifiers and lifting the Elgon Cup is good," Kenya coach Ian Snook told KweséESPN after the game.
"We need to keep preparing so that we can beat the table leaders Namibia," added Snook.
Kenya scored five tries in the first half through Jacob Ojee, Davies Chenge, Samson Onsomu, Felix Ayange and Moses Amusala, while Darwin Mukidza was perfect with the conversions.
Mukidza also converted a penalty early in the second half before Amusala got his second try of the day, and Mukidza added the two points.
Philip Wokorach picked two tries for Uganda, while Uganda Rugby Cranes Sevens captain Michael Okorach and Ivan Magomu also got on the scoreboard.
"We did not play so well in the first half, but woke up late in the second. We need to improve on our defending," Uganda assistant coach Robert Seguya said.
Namibia still lead the standings with 15 points, while Kenya closed in to 12. Uganda Rugby Cranes, who are yet to record a win, will next host Tunisia on 4 August.
The best team from the six battling in the qualifiers will accompany South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, while the second-placed team will advance to the repechage (trial) tournament.