Kenya Signs landmark NBA development deal

NBA to set up camp in Kenya with an elaborate development agenda 

Kenya, on 22 September 2023, signed a deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA) that will see the sport developed in different capacities in the country. 

The deal signed by Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba and NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams in the presence of Kenya's President William Ruto will see the American basketball governing body set up an office in Nairobi in November to help actualise the deal. 

Top of the agenda is capacity building with community-based talent development under the Talanta Hela Initiative (a Kenyan initiative to grow and monetize sports from the grassroots). This will include training teachers as certified basketball coaches and scouts.

The agreement will also focus on the development of basketball infrastructure, including courts in schools and communities. Construction of an indoor arena is also part of the deal. 

"This agreement will facilitate the development of basketball infrastructure in Kenya, with the capacity to host top-level competitions. The pact will also facilitate scholastic and grassroots talent development under the Talanta Hela Initiative and the opening of an NBA office in Nairobi," President Ruto wrote on his socials after witnessing the event. 

President Ruto's sentiments were echoed by CS Namwamba who termed the agreement historic and a game-changer in the government's relentless March towards the very top level in all sports disciplines. 

"The Kenya basketball fraternity can look to a new dawn in talent and infrastructure development," he offered. 

Across Africa, the youth population is set to double by 2050, and through basketball, the NBA is helping these youth to learn life skills that can help them in the future.

Since 2003, the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camps have been held in various African countries, providing education and training opportunities to boys and girls from all African countries. 

In 2014, the NBA partnered with USAID on an initiative called Live, Learn and Play. Using the values and skills developed in the game of basketball— leadership development and teamwork— Live, Learn and Play promoted youth engagement and citizenship development.

Not only is the NBA investing in building talent and providing youth development opportunities, but the basketball leader is also investing in infrastructure and civil society across the continent, especially through BAL.

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