The United States National Basketball Association (NBA) has pledged its support for the growth of basketball in Kenya. It has revealed intentions to launch grassroots programs aimed at nurturing talent within the country.
The NBA aims to establish a comprehensive basketball ecosystem in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, and Kenya Basketball Federation.
To kickstart this initiative, a Junior NBA clinic is scheduled to involve 70 boys and girls, coinciding with the inauguration of the NBA's fifth African office in Nairobi.
This aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in New York in September between the NBA and the Ministry of Sports, a ceremony attended by President William Ruto.
Apart from Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, and Nigeria are the only other African countries hosting NBA offices.
During the meeting at State House Nairobi, President Ruto engaged with NBA officials, led by NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, and former NBA player Micheal Finley.
In attendance were US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman and Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
President Ruto characterized the initiative as a pivotal moment in the advancement of the sport in the country, emphasizing that it provides Kenyan youth with the opportunity to pursue professional basketball.
“Professional basketball promises to enhance talent commercialisation and transform the lives of our youth,” he said.
