CS Amina unveils basketball court in Kawangware
Basketball players practice at the basketball court constructed by the Jonathan Jackson Foundation.
What you need to know:
- JJF has earmarked plans to construct 12 basketball courts. This first court was constructed at Gatina Primary School in Kawangware last year, while construction of the third is underway at BP Riruta Stadium.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has stressed the government's commitment to developing talents in the country while lauding the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) for partnering with her Ministry to realize the vision.
She spoke in Nairobi on Monday after flagging off a basketball court constructed by the foundation at the Holy Ghost Mission Church in Riruta.
The launch of this Sh2 million court, which will be used by area residents for training and practice under the Bakee Mtaani (grassroots basketball) initiative, comes three months after the groundbreaking for its construction was commissioned by Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto.
"This project is a clear demonstration of just how many hearts we can touch and the lives that we can change when we work together," explained Amina.
"Further, through projects such as this, I believe we will be able to steer our youth in the informal settlements - many of who have, unfortunately, experienced first-hand the ravages of neglect and substandard living conditions - away from the life of crime and drug abuse and into a life of hope and purpose," she added.
The sentiments were echoed by Jonathan Jackson, a real estate developer, who also bankrolls Premier League side Nairobi City Stars to the tune of Sh50 million each year.
He said: "Our main aim is to help the youth grow their talent in the field of basketball, especially in the informal settlements. It is our hope that in the future, off the courts and tournaments, Bakee Mtaani will produce basketball players of international repute."
JJF has earmarked plans to construct 12 basketball courts. This first court was constructed at Gatina Primary School in Kawangware last year, while construction of the third is underway at BP Riruta Stadium.
