I&M Bank Injects KES 10 Million into Nairobi City Thunder to Boost Kenyan Basketball
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, June 16, 2026 — I&M Bank has invested KES 10 million in Nairobi City Thunder (NCT), strengthening its commitment to sports development and youth empowerment while backing one of Kenya’s most successful basketball clubs.
The investment makes I&M Bank the club’s Official Banking Partner for the remainder of the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League season. The partnership is expected to support Nairobi City Thunder’s efforts to grow the game locally and strengthen its presence on the continental stage.
The sponsorship agreement took effect on May 25, 2026, and will run until the end of the current season in September. It will automatically extend should the season continue beyond the scheduled conclusion date.
Speaking during the launch, I&M Bank Regional CEO Kihara Maina said the partnership reflects the bank’s belief in the power of sport to inspire communities and nurture talent.
“We are proud to stand with Nairobi City Thunder at a time when the club continues to raise the standard of basketball not just in Kenya, but also across the region. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting homegrown excellence, investing in youth, and building meaningful connections with communities through sport,” said Maina.
The sponsorship comes as Nairobi City Thunder continues to make history in Kenyan basketball. The club became the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2024 before securing a second consecutive qualification in 2025. It also won the Kenya National Basketball Federation league title unbeaten during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.
Nairobi City Thunder CEO and Founder Colin Rasmussen described the deal as a strong vote of confidence in the club’s vision and the broader basketball ecosystem.
“When people think about basketball, they see the players. What they don’t always see is the ecosystem around it — creators, businesses, event staff, media professionals and young entrepreneurs. Partnerships like this help grow that entire ecosystem. We are delighted to launch this partnership with I&M Bank today as it provides essential resources and enhances our operational capacity,” Rasmussen said.
According to the club, the sponsorship funds will support preparations for upcoming competitions and help ensure the team has the resources needed to compete effectively in elite tournaments such as the Basketball Africa League and other regional contests.
Players have also welcomed the partnership, saying it will provide additional motivation as they pursue success on the court.
Forward Tom “Bush” Wamukota said the investment demonstrates that the players’ efforts are being recognized by leading corporate institutions.
“This partnership means a lot to us as players because it shows that our work is being recognized at the highest level. Having I&M Bank behind Nairobi City Thunder gives us extra motivation to compete hard, represent the badge well, and make our supporters proud throughout the season,” he said.
As part of the agreement, I&M Bank branding will appear on the back of the team’s jerseys throughout the season, giving the bank visibility while reinforcing its support for the growth of basketball in Kenya.
The partnership is expected to provide a significant boost to Nairobi City Thunder’s ambitions while highlighting the growing role of corporate sponsorship in advancing Kenyan sports and creating opportunities for young athletes.
