Shujaa started their Hong Kong Sevens on a losing note going down 28-12 to Ireland on Friday.
Kenya must now beat Argentina and Canada on Saturday if they are to proceed to the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Damian MCgrath's charges started on a positive note when Billy Odhiambo crossed the whitewash for an unconverted try and a 5-0 lead.
The Irish regrouped and levelled matters in the 5th minute when Neil Corneford showed the Kenyan defence a clean pair of heels to touch down with Mark Roche converting to give the Irish a 7-5 lead.
Irish star Jordan Conroy then pounced on a mistake by Shujaa to land at the centre with Roche adding the extras for a 14-5 lead at the interval.
On resumption, Odhiambo scored his second try weaving his way past a static Irish defence and Tony Omondi converted to bring Shujaa within two points of the Irish at 14-12.
Kenya's error rate however dampened hopes of a win with Conroy and Jack Price scoring a try each to seal the win for the Irish.
