Ruto Meets NBA Deputy Commissioner to Discuss Basketball Growth in Kenya
Ruto said the meeting focused on progress made under the partnership, including the development of NBA Africa and Basketball Africa League franchises in Kenya.
President William Ruto meets NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum to discuss Kenya’s partnership with the National Basketball Association and plans to expand the sport from grassroots programmes to the professional level. Photo: President Ruto.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has met NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum to discuss Kenya’s partnership with the National Basketball Association and plans to expand the sport from grassroots programmes to the professional level.
Ruto said the meeting focused on progress made under the partnership, including the development of NBA Africa and Basketball Africa League franchises in Kenya.
The two sides also reviewed plans for the Railway City multi-purpose arena, the refurbishment of the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and continued investment in basketball courts across the country.
Ruto said the discussions also covered the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Kenya and the NBA on grassroots basketball development.
“We also reviewed implementation of our MoU on grassroots development and plans to integrate basketball courts into Affordable Housing Programme projects,” Ruto said.
The President said the government would continue working with the NBA to increase access to basketball facilities, particularly for young people in communities across the country.
The proposed integration of basketball courts into Affordable Housing Programme projects is expected to provide additional spaces where young people can participate in the sport and develop their skills.
Ruto and Tatum also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the NBA and the Kenya Tourism Board.
“We will also deepen collaboration between the NBA and the Kenya Tourism Board to promote Kenya through sport and expand opportunities for our young people,” Ruto said.
The partnership is expected to combine sports development with tourism promotion while creating more opportunities for young basketball players.
The meeting comes as Kenya continues to position basketball as part of its broader sports development agenda, with investments in infrastructure, grassroots programmes and professional competition forming key areas of focus.
The discussions also highlighted the role of major sports partnerships in supporting youth development and promoting Kenya internationally.
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