Kenya’s youth basketball scene is set for a major boost as NBA Africa and Safaricom roll out the M-Pesa Jr. NBA program, an ambitious initiative designed to provide basketball training and financial literacy to over 10,000 boys and girls across the country.
The program, officially launched on Saturday, is the largest NBA youth development initiative in East Africa to date. It kicked off with a coaching clinic for over 100 local trainers at SABIS International School in Nairobi.
Regional Tournaments and Elite Training Camps
In its first phase, the program will feature regional tournaments in:
- Nairobi – February 22-23
- Mombasa – March 8-9
- Eldoret – March 15-16
- Kisumu – March 22-23
Each city will host 40 teams (20 boys’ and 20 girls’ teams), where young athletes will receive skills training and engage in competitive matches.
Following the regional tournaments, 80 top-performing players (16 boys and 16 girls from each city) will earn a spot at an elite Top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa this April.
Beyond Basketball: Financial Literacy for Young Athletes
In addition to basketball training, Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform will provide participants with financial literacy training, equipping them with money management skills to help them navigate their future.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi emphasized the impact of the program:
“Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls. We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”
A Vision for Youth Empowerment
Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa highlighted that the initiative aligns with a major milestone for the company as M-Pesa celebrates its 18th anniversary this March.
“Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment. Through M-PesaGo, this partnership extends beyond basketball, aiming to create a lasting impact on youth empowerment.”
He further explained how the program will help nurture young talent:
“We are committed to building character, developing potential, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-Pesa Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”
By combining elite basketball training with financial literacy, the M-Pesa Jr. NBA program is poised to shape the next generation of Kenyan athletes, preparing them for success both on and off the court.
