Inside basketball camp targeting young basketball lovers

Benson Okemwa’s love for basketball transcends the court, overflowing to those who have just started out in this sport that he loves deeply.

To reach them, Okemwa has opted to run a basketball camp targeting children from Nakuru’s informal settlements.

“I quit my job as a sales person and have been running this program for a full year now. I am a full-time basketball coach in various schools and I’m happy that some of my students have gotten scholarships to institutions of higher learning,” Okemwa says.

According to him, his passion stems from his own childhood experiences.

“I grew up in Dandora and therefore I understand the challenges children face growing up in slums. I hope the camp keeps children busy so that they do not engage in vices while they are at home during the holidays,” he says.

Okemwa however admits that the journey has not been a bed of roses, adding that funding is one of the main challenges he faces.

“So far we have close to 40 children and they all come from diverse backgrounds. There are times I have to feed some of the children before training. This is a community-based program and we are looking for well-wishers to help us out,” he laments.

The camp costs Sh 2000 per week, an amount that Okemwa says is too much for some parents.

Apart from basketball Okemwa also educates the children on mental health and creates awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Asked what his future plans are, Okemwa says, “I am looking to have the number grow to 200 children.  I am also hoping to expand to other sports. I also hope to increase the coaching staff as a way of creating employment by tapping into the many graduates finishing university and are talented in basketball in Nakuru,” he concludes.

The camp will run until December 20 at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI).