Bakee Mtaani Initiative launches third basketball court

Leading eatery KFC Kuku Foods in partnership with Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) have, Community under the Bakee Mtaani initiative, unveiled and handed over a full-size FIBA standard basketball court at Humama public grounds in Kayole.

The launch and handover to Divine World Parish (DIWOPA) who provided the land, for onward availability to the community, comes exactly two months after KFC Kuku Foods who funded the same in full, and Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) who oversaw the construction, announced their partnership during a groundbreaking ceremony at the same venue.

Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto saluted the gesture by the two giant corporations and underlined its importance in addressing the shortage of sports facilities in the country.

"This launch is a progressive initiative to ensure young, talented and disadvantaged sportsmen and women are given an opportunity to discover, develop and showcase their talents.

"As a Ministry, we acknowledge with tremendous gratitude the support and commitment exhibited by sponsors, community leaders, partners and other stakeholders.

"The Ministry appreciates Jonathan Jackson Foundation, KFC and Devine Word Parish, Kayole for this exemplary partnership,” he said.

Jonathan Jackson Foundation founder and Chairman Jonathan Jackson encouraged the youth to take up sports as a key ingredient to their development that could unlock their potential.

"My first wish is for the youth to come to the basketball court to have fun, to get off the street and enjoy some sport in a space that safe and protected in a place to enjoy the game together,"

"My wish and aim is to build 25 basketball courts in Nairobi at the moment. This is the fourth one and we are going to do another five shortly. As we build them, we are going to start tournaments between courts. You now have your first one and we are going to build four more in this community."

Bakee Mtaani is a revolutionary community sports initiative that has introduced basketball courts as safe spaces within Nairobi’s informal settlements and communities.

The project includes the identification and construction of basketball courts, sourcing of equipment, implementing training for coaches and referees to oversee basketball tournaments and comprehensive training programs for the youths to learn the sport and ensure high levels of participation.

The latest Basketball court launch in Komarock was the first funded by KFC, in partnership with JJF who oversaw the construction.

The latest court at Umama adds to three operational ones at Gatina Primary School, HGM Primary School and Riruta Stadium – all in Dagoretti North Constituency in Nairobi County.