A major boost for youth basketball in Kenya is underway as NBA Africa and Safaricom roll out the M-Pesa Jr. NBA program, a new initiative set to provide basketball training and financial literacy to more than 10,000 boys and girls in the country.

The program, which officially launched on Saturday, marks the most extensive NBA youth development initiative in East Africa to date.

It began with a coaching clinic for over 100 local trainers at SABIS International School in Nairobi.

As part of its first phase, regional tournaments will take place in Nairobi (Feb. 22-23), Mombasa (March 8-9), Eldoret (March 15-16), and Kisumu (March 22-23), bringing together 40 teams per city, split equally between boys and girls.

These young athletes will undergo skills training and competitive matches, after which 80 top players will be grouped into teams for a round-robin competition.

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From each city, 16 boys and 16 girls will earn a spot at an elite Top 100 camp set to be held at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa in April.

Beyond basketball, Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform will integrate financial literacy training, aiming to equip participants with money management skills for their future.

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, "Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls. We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming."

Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa noted the partnership aligns with a major milestone for the company.

"Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment, as Safaricom’s M-Pesa will celebrate its 18th anniversary this March, marking a significant milestone in our journey," Ndegwa stated.

He added that the collaboration extends beyond sports, explaining, "Through M-PesaGo, this collaboration transcends beyond basketball. It is driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, not only in sports but also in the broader context of youth empowerment."

"We are committed to nurturing potential, building character, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-Pesa Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level," Ndegwa added.

By integrating basketball training with financial literacy, the M-Pesa Jr. NBA program seeks to shape young athletes into future professionals—both on and off the court.