NBA announce plan to build 100 basketball courts in Kenya

President William Ruto has announced that the National Basketball Association (NBA) will build 100 basketball courts in Kenya in a span of 10 years which will help in growing the sport.

The basketball courts will be constructed in learning institutions and communities across the country with the aim of not only popularizing the game but also providing an avenue for nurturing talents from a young age.

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The communication from the head of state was made through his social media handles after hosting NBA officials who paid him a visit at State House, Nairobi.

“The National Basketball Association (NBA) of the United States will build 100 basketball courts in schools and communities across Kenya in the next decade in an effort to grow the sport,” he stated.

Aside from building the basketball courts, the NBA is also set to make a commercial hub of its own in the country, a move that the President praised.

“In addition, the NBA is also establishing its commercial hub in Nairobi, a major boost for investment in our country,” continues the statement.

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The NBA delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Tatum who was accompanied by five-time NBA champion Dorek Fisher and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

Also in attendance was Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who represented Kenya's sporting fraternity.

Once these basketball courts are built, there will be a significant increase in the number of players coming up as well as providing the current players with easy and accessible venues to train and compete.

The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has in the past complained of the inadequate facilities in the country for basketball activities and therefore this initiative will breathe a sigh of relief and catalyze their efforts of growing the game in the country.

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Basketball stakeholders and Kenyans at large will be keeping an eye and following the matter, hoping to see the first of the 100 courts coming up.