Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o has joined the ownership group of Nairobi City Thunder, becoming the latest high-profile figure to invest in Kenyan basketball.
Nyong’o announced the investment on Thursday, September 24, 2026. She shared a video wearing the team’s merchandise and said she was proud to support the club.
The actress also highlighted City Thunder’s historic achievement as the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Lupita Joins Growing City Thunder Ownership
Nyong’o’s investment comes as Nairobi City Thunder prepares for another major domestic challenge. The defending champions will face Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League Finals.
The best-of-five series begins on September 26 in Mombasa, before moving to Nairobi for Game Three on October 2. City Thunder reached the finals after sweeping Stanbic Shields 3-0. KPA also swept Equity Dumas 3-0.
Musician Bien-Aimé Baraza and his wife Chiki Kuruka are also among the club’s notable investors.
Basketball Investment Gathers Pace
Lupita’s move comes during a period of growing investment and infrastructure plans around Kenyan basketball. Nairobi is set to have a proposed 10,000-seat indoor sports and entertainment arena at Railway City.
The Sh38.14 billion development is being led by Zaria Group, co-founded by Kenyan basketball executive Masai Ujiri. The proposed arena is expected to host basketball alongside other sporting and entertainment events.
Ruto Highlights Basketball Growth
President William Ruto also recently held talks with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum on expanding basketball in Kenya.
According to Ruto, discussions covered NBA Africa, BAL franchises, the Railway City arena, refurbishment of Kasarani and continued investment in basketball courts.
He also highlighted plans to integrate basketball courts into Affordable Housing Programme projects and expand grassroots development through Kenya’s NBA partnership.
Lupita’s Investment Comes After Madina Okot Moment
The latest basketball momentum also follows Madina Okot’s historic WNBA breakthrough. On September 23, Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto watched Okot’s Atlanta Dream play the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Okot, who was drafted 13th overall by Atlanta in 2026, described the President’s appearance as an honour.
She also said she hoped her journey would open opportunities for more Kenyan girls in basketball. With City Thunder gaining continental exposure, Okot breaking through internationally and new basketball infrastructure being planned, Lupita’s investment adds another high-profile chapter to Kenya’s growing basketball story.
