By Eddah Waithaka
Uasin Gishu Junior School (Boys) and Testimony Junior School (Girls) clinched the M-PESA Jr. NBA Rift Valley regional titles on Sunday at the Uasin Gishu school courts in Eldoret.
The thrilling finals showcased intense competition, with both matches coming down to the wire.
In the boys’ final, Uasin Gishu Junior School narrowly defeated Testimony Junior School from Kesses with a 13-11 victory.
The game was tied 11-11 until Daniel Mwangi of Uasin Gishu made a buzzer-beating layup to win, leaving the visiting team stunned.
The girls’ final proved equally dramatic, as Testimony Junior School edged out Uasin Gishu Junior School 18-17 in a nail-biting finish.
Despite a late surge from Uasin Gishu’s Mary Tindi and Zawadi Agwanda, Testimony’s strong defense, led by Coach Barry Wycliff, held firm to secure the championship, leaving Uasin Gishu’s players visibly emotional.
The narrow loss left Uasin Gishu’s players visibly emotional.
“This tournament has been incredible,” said Barry Wycliff, Head Coach of Testimony Junior School.
“Our young players competed on a big stage, and I’m proud to have led both teams to the finals. Winning the girls’ title and finishing as runners-up in the boys’ division is a remarkable achievement. The talent here is exceptional, and with proper nurturing, Kenya can become a basketball powerhouse.”
Uasin Gishu (Boys) advanced to the finals by defeating Open Arm 14-10, while Testimony (Girls) secured their spot by overcoming Kipsinende 13-7.
Maurice Ouma, Head Coach of Uasin Gishu Junior School, praised the tournament organizers for their efforts in developing basketball talent.
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“M-PESA and NBA Africa are doing an outstanding job supporting young players. The talent we’ve seen here is remarkable, especially considering the lack of proper structures in many schools. With early development and strong partnerships, Kenya can produce world-class players. I’m proud of our boys’ title and the girls’ strong performance, despite losing by just one point.”
Winning teams received smartphones and airtime from Safaricom M-PESA, while all participants took home basketballs from NBA Africa.
Kapkoi Junior School (Boys) and AIC Lelmokwo Junior School (Girls) claimed third place by defeating Open Arms and Kipsinende Junior School, respectively, in the playoffs.
Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations, highlighted the region’s potential. “Rift Valley has been exceptional. The turnout and skill level were impressive, and the future of Kenyan basketball looks bright. Our partnership with M-PESA ensures we’ll continue uncovering talent across the country. Next up is Kisumu, and we expect even more exciting performances.”
The two-day tournament featured 40 teams and 450 players from Rift Valley counties. Beyond the basketball action, Safaricom integrated financial literacy sessions through M-PESA Go, equipping young players with essential money management skills.
After completing the Nairobi, Coast, and Rift Valley regions, the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament will be in Kisumu next weekend, March 22–23, 2025, at Kenyatta Sports Ground. Fans can expect more thrilling basketball action as the search for Kenya’s next generation of basketball stars continues.
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