Basketball programme reaches more than 103,000 children in Kenya

The programme, known as Basketball Experience (BE), has reached 103,340 children in Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu and Kajiado counties since its launch.

The milestone was highlighted during the third Basketball Experience Finals held at the Kenya Academy Sports Court in Kasarani, Nairobi, bringing together young players, educators, development partners and community stakeholders to celebrate the initiative's impact on youth development.

Funded by AFD in collaboration with NBA Africa, the programme is implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross.

It uses the Jr. NBA curriculum to train coaches in basketball techniques, while locally developed inclusive manuals help children aged 8 to 18 develop essential life skills, including teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership.

The initiative also incorporates disability inclusion by integrating children with hearing, visual and physical impairments into structured basketball and life skills activities.

Through adapted coaching methods and accessible activities, the programme seeks to create opportunities for children of all abilities to participate in sport and learn together.

The 2026 finals followed a series of mini-tournaments held in July, showcasing participants' basketball skills and celebrating their achievements throughout the programme.

The event was attended by French Ambassador to Kenya Wadid Benaabou, AFD Director for Kenya Anne-Gaël Chapuis, NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Claire Akamanzi and Kenya Red Cross Deputy Secretary General Joe Mbalu.

Other guests included Kenya Deaf Basketball Association President Christine Kirui, Kajiado County Director of Gender and Inclusivity Jane Gichure, and County Director of Education Martin Cheruyiot.

The programme seeks to use basketball as a platform for youth development, strengthening life skills while promoting equal opportunities for children with and without disabilities.