The National Basketball Association – NBA has opened a new office in Nairobi, months after President William Ruto revealed he had inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Association.
President Ruto announced the news at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, November 2023, stating that it was as a result of the MOU signed in September.
“The United States National Basketball Association has committed to implement grassroots programs that will nurture talent and develop the sport in Kenya,” said Ruto.
Furthermore, the head of state revealed that the commitment will kickstart with a Junior NBA clinic targeting 70 girls and boys to mark the opening of the new office.
Accompanying President Ruto was US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, CS Ababu Namwamba and NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams.
NBA Africa further revealed that the Nairobi office is its fourth branch having opened offices in Johannesburg, Lagos, and Cairo
NBA in Nairobi
“It’s official! NBA has expanded its presence in Africa by opening an office in Nairobi, Kenya,” announced NBA Africa.
NBA Africa further noted that opening of the new office was fueled by the will to expand the league’s existing efforts in the African region.
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During the United Nations General Assembly in September, President Ruto, inked the historic deal set to revolutionize the nation’s sports’ sectors.
Part of the MOU deal included NBA opening an office in Nairobi, to bolster its efforts to oversee and coordinate all activities.
According to CS Ababu Namwamba who was also present, the agreement’s focus would primarily be on grassroots talent development through the Talanta Hela Initiative.
“This initiative aims to nurture young basketball talents in schools and communities across Kenya,” said Namwamba.
Similarly, teachers will receive training to become certified basketball coaches and scouts, further enhancing the development of the sport at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the MOU includes plans to bolster basketball infrastructure by constructing courts in schools, communities, and neighborhoods, as well as establishing an elite arena for hosting top-level competitions.
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Also, President Ruto expressed his optimism regarding the partnership, stating, “The signing of an agreement with the NBA will facilitate the development of basketball infrastructure in Kenya with the capacity of hosting top-level competitions.”
Notable figures present during the signing included Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, Basketball Africa League President Amadou Fall, and former NBA All-Star Luol Deng.
