President William Ruto has unveiled grand plans that could put Kenya on the global basketball map, thanks to a fresh partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA).
After high-level talks with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum in New York during the UN General Assembly, Ruto announced that Nairobi is set to host a world-class multi-purpose arena in the fast-growing Railway City.
The facility is expected to stage international tournaments, concerts, and blockbuster events, placing the capital at the heart of Africa’s entertainment and sports scene.
But the plans don’t stop there. The NBA has also proposed the construction of four “Presidential Courts” to boost grassroots basketball. Kisumu and Tononoka in Mombasa have already been selected, with two more locations to be revealed soon.
“The goal is to inspire our young people, give them access to modern facilities, and cement Kenya’s position as a continental sports powerhouse,” Ruto said.
Backing the initiative were NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi and Toronto Raptors boss Masai Ujiri, whose presence underlined the serious global interest in Kenya’s sports future.
If the deal is fully rolled out, it would be one of the biggest sports infrastructure projects in the country’s history, promising a new era for local athletes who have long lacked opportunities to shine on professional platforms.
With global basketball heavyweights now in Kenya’s corner, young talent may soon be dunking their way from dusty courts to the world stage.
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