Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o has made a significant investment in Nairobi City Thunder, one of Kenya’s prominent basketball clubs. She announced the investment on her social media platforms, sharing a video of herself taking a “tunnel walk” while wearing the team’s branded jacket. Nyong’o expressed her excitement and pride in supporting the team, which has made history as the first Kenyan club to qualify for the Basketball Africa League.
Nyong’o’s investment in Nairobi City Thunder comes at a crucial time, as the team prepares to face Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League Finals. The best-of-five series is set to begin on Saturday, with the opening games scheduled at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa. This significant match presents an opportunity for the team to showcase its skills and compete for the top spot in Kenyan basketball.
Nairobi City Thunder has become a notable name in Kenyan basketball, making its debut in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2025. The team secured another qualification for the 2026 season after winning the East Division Elite 16 tournament in Nairobi. This achievement demonstrates the team’s growth and commitment to excellence in the sport.
Nyong’o’s investment adds a prominent Kenyan entertainment figure to the club’s growing circle of supporters and investors. Recently, musician Bien-Aimé Baraza and his wife, Chiki Kuruka, joined the club as brand ambassadors. This influx of support and investment is expected to boost the team’s profile and contribute to its success in the league.
The Nairobi City Thunder’s success in the Basketball Africa League has paved the way for other Kenyan teams to compete at the continental level. As the team continues to grow and improve, it is likely to inspire more Kenyan athletes to pursue careers in basketball. Nyong’o’s investment is a significant endorsement of the team’s potential and a vote of confidence in the sport’s future in Kenya.
Lupita Nyong’o’s foray into sports investment marks a new chapter in her career, as she expands her interests beyond film and entertainment. Her involvement with Nairobi City Thunder is expected to bring more attention and excitement to Kenyan basketball, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors to the sport.
As the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League Finals approach, Nairobi City Thunder will look to capitalize on the momentum generated by Nyong’o’s investment and its past successes. With a strong team and growing support, the club is poised to make a significant impact in the league and Kenyan sports scene.
Key points
- Lupita Nyong’o has invested in Nairobi City Thunder, a leading Kenyan basketball club.
- The team is set to face Kenya Ports Authority in the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League Finals.
- Nyong’o’s investment adds to the growing support and investment in Nairobi City Thunder, including recent brand ambassadors Bien-Aimé Baraza and Chiki Kuruka.
