Nairobi to host major continental basketball tournaments in November
By Faith Lagat, October 31, 2025Nairobi is set to welcome two major continental basketball events this November , the Women’s Basketball League Africa Group D Zone 5 Qualifiers and the Road to BAL Elite 16 tournament.
The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) states that hosting these competitions reflects FIBA Africa’s growing confidence in Kenya as an emerging hub for basketball.
KBF Secretary General Angela Luchivya expressed in an interview on October 30, 2025, excitement about the events, saying, “As Kenya Basketball Federation, we are very excited to have these two championships being hosted in Kenya because this just affirms the fact that FIBA Africa has confidence in Kenya as a host as well as a growing basketball hub.”
The Women’s Basketball League Africa qualifiers, scheduled from November 9 to 15 at Nyayo Gymnasium, will feature eight teams. Kenya will be represented by reigning national champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech University. Other participants include Gladiators from Uganda, two teams from Tanzania, two from Rwanda, and Ethiopia, making its first appearance. The top two teams from the tournament will progress to the final round in Cairo, Egypt, in December.
Road to BAL Elite 16
The Road to BAL Elite 16 tournament will take place from November 18 to 23 at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium. Nairobi City Thunder, Kenya’s first team to qualify for BAL last year, aims to secure another place in the prestigious continental competition. Luchivya said, “We are excited to once again host the Road to BAL Elite 16 in Nairobi. Nairobi City Thunder, our two-time national league champions, will represent Kenya, and we look forward to fans coming out in large numbers to support them.”
She also called on corporate partners to invest in the sport, noting, “Basketball in Kenya is growing rapidly, and this is the perfect time for sponsors to come on board and help us elevate the game.” Luchivya revealed that the total budget for both tournaments is Ksh 70 million, with only Ksh 29 million raised so far, leaving a deficit of Ksh 41 million. She explained that venue costs, which have doubled at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000 per day, make up a significant portion of the expenses.
Infrastructure and talent development
Looking ahead, Luchivya highlighted the need for improved infrastructure. “Kenya has gained valuable experience after hosting international games last year. We are now better placed to organize future events and to continue developing our basketball infrastructure. This is the right time for Kenya to start thinking about constructing another indoor arena similar to those in Kigali or Dakar to accommodate high-caliber international tournaments.”
Zetech University coach Harriet Fakhirs said her team is ready for their first international challenge. “We are proud to be making our first international appearance. We have prepared well both mentally and physically for this challenge. Of course there’s pressure playing at home, but we take it positively. It motivates us to perform well and represent Kenya with pride.”
Nexford University CEO Fadl Al Tarzi added, “I think the example we’re seeing today with Nairobi City Thunder is one that we’re particularly proud to be part of. We hope that, you know, the athletes here will take this opportunity to pursue their education. You know, what Nexford’s able to really offer is a flexible education model that allows people to continue building the skills that they need without having to put a pause on their professional life.”
The NBA has committed to boosting Kenya’s sports infrastructure, with plans to build modern basketball facilities in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, including a world-class multi-purpose arena in Railway City, Nairobi.
President William Ruto earlier stated that the initiative aims to inspire young talent, expand access to sports, and enhance Kenya’s position in African basketball. CS Salim Mvurya added that the project aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, promoting youth empowerment, job creation, and Kenya’s emergence as a continental sporting hub.