M-PESA, in partnership with the Jr. NBA, on Monday, April 7, 2025, hosted 100 of Kenya’s top junior basketball players, 50 boys and 50 girls, for an Elite Basketball Camp at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
This high-level camp marks the final buildup to the Jr. NBA National Finals, set to tip off at the same venue from Thursday to Friday this week.
The Elite Camp focused on advancing the skills and potential of these young athletes through intensive training, including skill development sessions, scrimmages, 5-on-5 tournaments, and talent scouting.
The 100 standout players were carefully selected from regional tournaments held across Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
“This is a great opportunity for my players ahead of the national finals. Some of the skills we have sharpened today, like dribbling, are essential, and we are definitely going to put them into action during the finals,” said Wholly Kawemba, coach at Umoja Junior School in Changamwe.
Speaking at the event, Esther Waititu, Safaricom’s Chief Financial Services Officer, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative.
“At Safaricom, our purpose is simple: to transform lives. Through our partnership with Jr. NBA Africa, we’ve created a space where sports meets opportunity and play meets purpose. We’re not just supporting basketball; we’re also empowering young people with essential financial literacy through M-PESA Go. Greatness isn’t just about what you achieve on the court; it is how you apply what you’ve learned in life,” Waititu explained.
Michael Finley, NBA Africa’s Kenya Country Lead, expressed pride in the journey so far, saying:
“The regional tournaments were a great success across all four cities. We promised a platform for youth talent—and we’ve delivered. Today’s Elite Camp was a powerful moment, and with scouts present, I believe we’ve uncovered some incredible talent.”
The inaugural edition of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program has already engaged over 10,000 boys and girls through competitive games, NBA Fit clinics, and life-skills seminars focused on financial literacy, delivered via M-PESA Go.
This week’s Jr. NBA National Finals will see 16 teams (8 boys’ and 8 girls’ teams) battling for the title at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, bringing together the very best in youth basketball from across the country.