The M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament continues its exciting journey across Kenya, with Uasin Gishu High School set to host the Rift Valley Regional Finals this weekend. This highly anticipated event will bring together 40 teams comprising 480 boys and girls, all vying for championship glory in a series of competitive 5-on-5 basketball games.
Safaricom, through its M-PESA brand, is not only facilitating the tournament but also equipping young athletes with essential financial literacy skills. Speaking ahead of the weekend games, Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa emphasized the program’s broader mission. “This weekend, we expect to empower over 400 young people from the Rift Valley region by equipping them with essential financial literacy skills. So far, our visits to the last two regions, Nairobi and the Coast, have been a great success,” he said.
The initiative aims to nurture young basketball talent while fostering financial independence from an early age. Dr. Ndegwa highlighted the program’s long-term benefits, stating, “I believe programs like these are crucial for young people. This initiative is about building champions both on and off the court, preparing the next generation for success.”
The Rift Valley Regional Games come on the heels of the Coast Regional Finals, where Aga Khan Academy and Umoja Junior School from Changamwe emerged victorious. Two weeks prior, the Nairobi regionals saw St. John’s Junior School from Korogocho and Olympic Junior School claim top honors.
Apart from the opportunity to compete at a high level, participating teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes. The winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will receive smartphones and airtime, courtesy of Safaricom’s M-PESA. Additionally, outstanding players will be scouted for the prestigious Top 100 elite basketball development camp in April, offering them a platform to advance their skills further.
The M-PESA Jr. NBA program aims to reach more than 10,000 boys and girls across Kenya, blending basketball development with financial literacy education. Following the Rift Valley games in Eldoret, the tournament will head to Kisumu next weekend, with the regional competitions culminating in a national championship, held in collaboration with the National Secondary School Games.
