NBA Africa & AFD roll out Inclusive Basketball Program across Kenya

NBA Africa, together with the French development agency AFD, on Thursday launched a new initiative making basketball accessible to students with disabilities in Kenya.

The program was officially unveiled at the Isinya School for the Deaf, where young participants experienced their first adapted basketball drills and life skills sessions designed for all abilities was presided over by Fikirini Jacobs, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.

Speaking at the event, the PS highlighted the importance of inclusive sports as a tool for personal growth and social integration, calling the program "a platform where every child can explore their potential and develop essential skills for life."

The initiative focuses on children with hearing, visual, and physical impairments, giving them a chance to build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

Coaches and educators are being trained to lead sessions that are safe, engaging, and adapted to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring no child is left out.

Anne-Gael Chapuis, AFD Director for Kenya, said, "This program is about more than basketball. It creates opportunities, builds self esteem, and promotes inclusion for young people across Kenya. We are proud to partner with NBA and local organizations to make sports accessible to all."

During the launch, attendees had the opportunity to see demonstrations of modified basketball activities and participated in conversations on how to integrate children of all abilities into structured sports programs.

The sessions highlighted how inclusive sports can teach life skills while fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork.

Over the coming months, the Disability Inclusion component will reach 32 specialized schools in Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, and Kiambu counties.

Combined with the wider Basketball Experience program, which now includes 128 schools nationwide, the expansion will give thousands of children the chance to engage in sport and develop personal skills.

By making basketball more accessible, organizers hope to inspire a new generation of young people who are confident, capable, and included, demonstrating that sports can be a powerful tool for empowerment and social change.