It’s a blessing: Kenneth Wachira reacts to big move to Burundi

The feeling of getting what you worked hard for is both satisfying and relieving. That would be what reigning Kenya Basketball Federation MVP (2022) Kenneth Wachira is basking in, after securing an opportunity to showcase his incredible basketball skills in a foreign-based club; Dynamo BBC of Burundi.

As confirmed earlier this week, Wachira signed a one year deal with Dynamo BBC in Bujumbura – which will see him compete for the whole of the 2023 Viva Burundian National Basketball League that tips off in March.

“It’s a blessing.” Wachira,27, reacted to having an opportunity to play professionally outside Kenya. “This is something I have worked hard for and looked up to. For a player who played local basketball in the league, dominated it and has been called up to showcase his skill in another country? I am grateful man!”

Kenyan basketball MVP finds a new home in Burundi

Dominating the local league he did, ascending from a rookie in 2018 with the Nairobi City Thunder to winning the league and season MVP with Mombasa side Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

His next big move after the 2022 season was one he restrains himself from commenting a lot on, as his expectation wasn’t fully met and was often on the fringes of a fairly successful team.

That, however, didn't affect his vision, as he recounted the short stint with the Namuwongo Blazers (Uganda).

“Not playing didn’t affect me much,” Wachira said. “The key thing for me was that I was training with the team, practicing and keeping shape in the gym. I knew an opportunity was going to arise and so being ready and keeping positive prepared me for it (referencing the moment he joined KPA for the BAL 2023 qualifiers on a short contract).”

His step of getting ready would see him make a December trip with fellow Kenyan players: Ariel Okal, Faheem Juma and Fidel Okoth to Somalia, where he loosened up playing for his adopted side Dekedaha BC. Engaging in some games of ‘pick-up’ with a bunch of friends as per him, also kept him focused.

His connection with one of his buddies could after all turn beneficial for him in Bujumbura.

“I have one of my buddies in Burundi,” Wachira mentioned, referring to country-mate and long-time Riara University friend Paul Ereng of the Urunani basketball team. “This being my first time here [Burundi], I am quite naive and am sure we will have more conversations with Paul about what to expect. We’ve not met yet but we have had conversations.”

Looking forward, Wachira hopes to clinch a title for Dynamo BBC, who haven’t won the league since 2018, while still providing options for the Kenya Morans team in this year’s continental assignments.