The Rugby Super Series tournament kicks off on Saturday with the Lions up against the Rhinos the matchday one highlight.
The event returns after a 10-year hiatus with the country's best 100 players gracing the event for the next four weeks.
They hope to impress Kenya Simbas selectors for the international Test matches in June and July.
The Buffaloes face the Cheetahs in the midday kick-off before the Lions and Rhinos battle at 3 pm.
The matches were scheduled for KCB Sports Club but were shifted to RFUEA after the ongoing rains made the Thika Road facility unplayable.
The Lions franchise comprises KCB, Blak Blad, Mwamba, South Coast Pirates, USIU and Jkuat players.
Lions coach Oliver Mang'eni has opted for the tried and tested forward pack combination of Oscar Simiyu, Wilhite Mususi, Emmanuel Silungi and Obat Kuke.
In the backs, Emmanuel Opondo and Elvis Namusasi will be the half-pack pairing with Bob Muhati, Levi Amunga and Benjamin Rugar as the key actors in the backline.
Mang'eni expects a stern test from the Rhinos.
He said: "It will be a competitive match. We have trained well and the conditions will play a part. The key will be to control the forward play — dominance and territory."
Rhinos, four-time winners, feature players from Nondies, Quins and Strathmore under the tutelage of Quins' coach Pau Murunga.
Upfront, Murunga has gone for a solid combination with Meshack Tunechi, Abel Matanda, Barnabas Owuor and skipper, Steven Odhiambo.
Ian Mumbwani leads a dynamic backline alongside Paul Mutsami, Zedden Marrow and Harmony Wamalwa.
Murunga expects his charges to be competitive.
"It's a balanced squad full of experience and youth. We are up against a strong side but we want to put on a good show," said Murunga
The tournament will run for three consecutive Saturdays, culminating in the final on May 25.
