Usawa Basketball Festival: How talented girls in Bungoma are dribbling past stereotypes

Echoes of bouncing basketballs filled Kibabii University during the 2025 Usawa Basketball Festival - it wasn’t just about competition—it was the rhythm of hope, empowerment, and change for girls in Bungoma County.

Seven girls’ teams from six sub-counties gathered not just to play, but to learn, connect, and challenge deep-rooted gender stereotypes that have long sidelined girls from sports. The Usawa Festival used basketball as a tool of liberation and growth in communities where opportunities for girls remain limited.

Among the rising stars was Abgaily Opicho, a forward from Sirakaru Secondary School, the reigning county champions. Her basketball journey began in 2023, sparked by her coach Wycliffe Baraza, and inspired by watching the sport on TV.

What began as curiosity in Form Two quickly became passion. With extra training and fierce determination, she’s now a two-time county champion with dreams of reaching the national finals. “This festival has been a game changer,” said Opicho. “We’ve improved team chemistry, learned new skills, and built confidence. We’re more ready than ever for the Western Region games next month.”

Sirakaru reaffirmed their dominance, defeating Nalondo 21–6 to retain the 3x3 county title. But more than the victory, it was the growth in confidence and teamwork that defined the festival.

Beyond the court, the event featured mentorship and life skills sessions. Girls engaged in discussions on personal branding, leadership, and sustainability, learning they could lead beyond the game.

Elizabeth Waliuba, founder of Imarisha Usawa and one of the festival’s architects, emphasized the broader vision: “It’s about creating a space where girls can dream, develop, and disrupt societal limitations.”

For 16-year-old Farida Wasike of Chwele Girls High School, basketball represents a future. Inspired by her cousin, Farida became a fast-paced point guard with dreams of playing for Kenya’s Lioness team or even going pro abroad. “Being part of the Usawa Festival showed me basketball can take me far,” she said. “It’s a way out, a way up.”

National scouts were also present, including Kenya U16 coach and Vikapu Elite founder Zedekia Otieno. He selected seven girls including Opicho and Wasike for the Top 50 Under-20 camp. “These girls are proof that the next generation of Kenyan women’s basketball can come from anywhere,” he said.

Organizers tackled barriers too, providing sports gear, training tools, and dignity packs to ensure no girl was left behind. Community leaders, elite athletes, and gender officers joined in, calling for equal opportunities.

As the festival closed, its impact was just beginning. With plans for permanent scouting and development programs, organizers hope to sustain this momentum.

“When girls are given the ball,” said Waliuba, “they don’t just play, they lead, inspire, and transform communities.”