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Lupita Nyong’o invests in Nairobi City Thunder basketball club amid plan for 10,000-seat CBD arena
24th September, 2026 11:00 PM
Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o has announced that she has become an investor in Nairobi City Thunder, adding a high-profile name to the Kenyan basketball club as the sport continues to attract increased attention and investment.
Nyong’o made the announcement on Thursday, September 24, 2026, through a post on Instagram in which she celebrated her new association with the team and its achievements on the continental stage.
In the post, Nyong’o shared a video of herself taking a tunnel walk as she announced that she was now an investor in the Nairobi-based basketball club.
“Taking a tunnel walk to celebrate that I’m an investor in the @nairobicity_thunder!” Nyong’o wrote.
The actress also highlighted the significance of Nairobi City Thunder’s achievement in becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
“The Nairobi City Thunder are the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (@thebal), and I’m pumped and proud to be behind them. TWENDE!” she said.
Nyong’o’s investment comes at a significant moment for the club, which has been gaining attention following its breakthrough on the African basketball scene.
Her announcement also coincided with preparations for the KNBL Finals, with the actress sending her best wishes to those involved in the competition.
“Big weekend ahead with the start of the KNBL Finals! Wishing everyone on and off the court a great time!!” Nyong’o wrote, accompanying her message with basketball and Kenyan flag emojis.
A new chapter for Nairobi City Thunder
Nairobi City Thunder’s qualification for the BAL represents a major milestone for Kenyan basketball, with the club becoming the first Kenyan side to reach the continental competition.
The achievement has helped place the Nairobi club in the spotlight as it looks to build on its progress and establish itself as a force in African basketball.
Nyong’o’s entry as an investor adds another dimension to the club’s profile, bringing the visibility associated with one of Kenya’s most internationally recognised entertainers into the basketball space.
Her announcement also comes amid broader developments involving basketball and sports infrastructure in Nairobi.
Days earlier, Zaria Group, co-founded by basketball executive Masai Ujiri, alongside Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, unveiled plans for a major indoor sports arena in Nairobi.
Ksh38.1B arena planned for Railway City
The proposed Ksh38.1 billion indoor arena is planned for Nairobi Railway City on Kenya Railways land near Nairobi Railway Station.
The facility is expected to have a capacity of 10,000 spectators and is designed as an enclosed, multi-purpose venue.
Basketball is expected to be among the key sports accommodated at the facility, while the arena is also designed to host concerts, conferences, exhibitions and cultural shows.
The development would provide Nairobi with a purpose-built indoor venue capable of accommodating large crowds and a variety of sporting and entertainment events.
The arena plans have emerged at a time when basketball in Kenya is attracting greater attention, particularly following Nairobi City Thunder’s breakthrough in the BAL.
The proposed facility could therefore become an important part of Nairobi’s sporting and entertainment infrastructure if the plans are realised.
Growing interest in Kenyan basketball
The developments surrounding Nairobi City Thunder and the proposed arena also point to growing commercial interest in basketball in Kenya.
For years, basketball has competed for attention with football and other established sports in the country. However, the rise of Nairobi City Thunder on the continental stage has provided a new platform for Kenyan basketball.
The club’s BAL qualification has given it an opportunity to compete beyond the domestic scene, while also raising the profile of the sport among Kenyan fans.
Nyong’o’s investment comes against this backdrop, with the actress publicly expressing her excitement about being part of the club.
Her message also highlighted her pride in the team’s achievement and her desire to see it succeed as it takes on a bigger role in African basketball.
The timing of her announcement is also notable because it comes days after Kenyan President William Ruto was seen alongside NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum during his visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly.
Ruto was in New York to attend Unite Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
However, President William Ruto made time in his busy schedule to go courtside and support Kenya’s Madina Okot during her final regular-season game with the Atlanta Dream.
The appearance came amid discussions around the future of the Basketball Africa League and the possibility of a more permanent franchise model for the competition.
