Sakaja Meets Kagame as Nairobi–Rwanda Deal Takes Shape

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has announced a new partnership between Rwanda and Nairobi City County.

Sakaja is in Rwanda for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening ties between Nairobi and Kigali, with a focus on innovation, youth empowerment, and sports development.

He met with Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, and NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi on the morning of July 29, 2025.

The leaders discussed potential collaborations to boost opportunities for young people across the two cities.

“Our discussions focused on deepening collaboration between Nairobi and Kigali, especially around innovation, sports, and youth empowerment. Exciting opportunities ahead,” Sakaja said in a statement.

The Governor also expressed admiration for Rwanda’s progress and thanked President Paul Kagame for his steadfast leadership after a successful meeting with him.

“It has been a pleasure to experience Rwanda at its depths. Much regard to President Kagame for his belief in the spirit, talent, and diversity that is Africa. A fruitful conversation we had that will yield,” he said.

Sakaja on Transforming the Youth

Sakaja also praised Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors and founder of Giants of Africa, for his efforts to spotlight African youth and their transformative potential.

“To the Giants of Africa, something good is coming,” Sakaja added, hinting at upcoming initiatives that could unite cities across the continent through talent and innovation.

Sakaja joined the leaders during the official opening of Zaria Court on July 28.

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Kagames Highlights the Position of Sports in Africa

Speaking during the event, Kagame said sports will shape countries’ economies in the future.

“It’s not just the future. When you talk about, for example, the arena, the stadium, it’s already happening. People are taking notice of that and counting and knowing that it has employed so many, it has brought in so much,” Kagame said.

He said the interaction around Rwanda and with the rest of the world, speaks volumes in terms of value.

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Kagame said sports has already brought in a lot, and it’s a question of growing that.

“We also know that statistics show that even across Africa, in terms of sports, it’s running into billions as to what sports can bring to the continent, tens of billions. I think what we do as leaders at different levels is to encourage people to be part of realizing that story and reaping the benefits,” he said.

This comes as the Governor intensifies efforts to improve existing stadiums in Nairobi, including Joe Kadenge Stadium, Dandora Stadium, and oversees the construction of new ones in areas such as Woodley, Kihumbuini, and Mwiki.

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