NIROBI, Kenya – Plans to build a world-class multipurpose basketball stadium in Kenya that can host important international tournaments, such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL), will be expedited thanks to an agreement between the government and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Salim Mvurya, and senior NBA officials, led by NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, agreed to speed up the process during their bilateral talks.
As part of its larger sports development agenda, which aims to modernise infrastructure, increase youth opportunities, and get Kenya ready to host continental and international competitions, CS Mvurya announced that the government will give top priority to and move quickly to find a prime location for the arena.
The NBA, in response, promised to raise money and technological know-how to build a facility that will draw international competitions like the BAL and open doors for Kenyan athletes to compete internationally, create jobs and strengthen the country’s economy.
“This arena will not only be a landmark for Kenya but also a beacon of opportunity for our athletes,” said CS Mvurya. “It aligns squarely with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), where sports is a key pillar for youth empowerment, economic growth, and social cohesion. By partnering with the NBA, we are investing in talent, jobs, and Kenya’s future as a continental sporting hub.”
Why Kenya can easily excel in basketball
NBA Africa CEO, Clare Akamanzi, welcomed the Kenyan Government’s commitment, noting that such an arena would significantly elevate Kenya’s status in global basketball.
“Kenya has all the ingredients to become a basketball powerhouse in Africa: talent, passion, and strong government support. This arena will be a game-changer, creating opportunities for local players and positioning Kenya as a premier hub for global basketball events,” she said.
The NBA delegation also commended the government for fostering an atmosphere that encourages the growth of sports through collaborations with the commercial sector, goodwill, and ease of doing business.
How the NBA has supported Kenya
They emphasised persistent accomplishments under the NBA partnership in Kenya, such as the building of two contemporary basketball courts—a standard court in Kiambu and a double-drawn court at Kasarani—both of which are currently thriving gathering places for young players.
In addition, NBA programs have been rolled out from junior schools to national leagues, focusing on talent identification, nurturing, and international exposure pathways. Already, three Kenyan female players have recently earned a spot in the WNBA, a milestone the NBA described as evidence of Kenya’s growing potential.
CS Mvurya affirmed that the Kenyan Government will continue supporting such athletes to ensure they succeed on the global stage.
The Cabinet Secretary further emphasised the role of the Kenya Academy of Sports in grassroots talent scouting and urged continued collaboration with the NBA to expand programs in schools, strengthen leagues, and grow the game nationally.
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