Kenya loses FIBA hosting rights amid political unrest witnessed

World basketball governing body Federation International de Basketball (FIBA) has withdrawn Kenya’s rights to host the Afrobasket Zone 5 under-16 championship because of the Gen-Z protests that have occasioned political instability in the country.

At the same time, FIBA has also indefinitely put off staging of the Africa under-23, basketball 3x3  Nations League by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF), in Mombasa, from July 2 to 8, in a decision prompted by the same unstable political circumstances prevailing countrywide.

According to a press statement from the FIBA’s secretary general Vitalis Gode seen by People Sport yesterday, and following the political instablity witnessed in the country, neighbouring country’s Tanzania Basketball Federatio (TBF) have been awarded the hosting rights.

Gode observed that the Afrobasket Zone 5 under-16 Championship qualifiers will now be staged in the Tanzanian coastal city of Dar-es- Salaam this year from July 11 to 15.

“Due to unexpected sudden situation in Kenya that rises concerns on safety of players and officials, l regret to inform you (KBF) that  your hosting rights for  the Zone 5 annual under-16 Championship is rescinded.”