In the heart of Bondeni estate sits a beautiful community basketball court. A hoop is attached to the pole and the message reads ‘Each one, teach one’.

This is the mantra that coach Abdi Said lives by, as he hopes basketball will change the youth from Bondeni and its enviros.

The basketball player cum coach notes that he has been playing basketball since he was young. It was this sport that taught him the virtue of discipline when he served as a basketball captain in college, having grown up in Bondeni.

Abdi Said the basketball coach at Bondeni community basketball court during an interview on August 22,2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“I live in a community where crime is almost normalized and drug abuse is high. Here the youth are the most affected. We have seen some of them die because of drug abuse and this saddens me,” he notes.

Said continues, “This is why we are on boarding basketball training for the youth to help change the narrative in my community. Hoping that one day through sports we will be a crime free community.”

He reveals, that before the court was elevated to make it suitable for playing, they would play on the dusty ground. This he did for the love and passion of the game.

“Upgrading of the court was done a month ago with the help of Tribeless youth. However, we had been using the ground since 2020 when my mother allowed us to use a portion of her land as part of the court. I would say the elevated court has attracted many youth to come and play now,” he says

According to Said, in only a month, over 70 youth have come to the pitch to learn and play basketball. He believes that without being at the court, the young people would be idle, thus opening a door for crime.

“I also take initiative to talk to the specific young people who are involved in crime and lure them to sports. Most of the time, they listen.”

Asked how the community utilizes the court he says, the court is open for use by everyone at any time. He, alongside another volunteer coach, meet in the evening to train the youth.

“Other than the day time training, some students from Afraha, Nakuru day, among other high schools are also benefiting from the court, since they attend the after Classes evening basketball, where they are trained for one hour after school before they head home,” he adds.

Elizabeth Nyambura in red hijab talking to youth at the bondeni basketball court on August 22,2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Said’s mother, Elizabeth Nyambura notes that she offered a portion of her land to help her son pursue his passion for basketball and his drive to change the community through sports.

Other than that, she says she is always around to hand over the balls to the youth who want to train anytime of the day.

“When I get time I sit beside the court and watch the boys and girls train. More to it I engage them in talks from time to time and encourage them to shun away from crime.”

She adds, “I lost three years of my time in prison for peddling bhang and I tell my story hoping that they can learn from me. I have seen sports transforming people's lives and I tell them it is never too late for them to try.”

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