Billionaire Jonathan Jackson, through his Jonathan Jackson Foundation, on Monday, January 31, commissioned a basketball court at the BP Riruta Stadium in Dagoretti South.
The court is the third to be constructed through the Foundation’s Bakee Mtaani Initiative.
In a statement posted on the Foundation’s digital platforms, the court will go a long way in exposing youth in the region to professional basketball, while keeping them out of self-destructive activities.
“The court will provide a safe space for the youth to showcase their talents and to interact, keeping them preoccupied and hence reducing the chances of them engaging in social vices such as crime, drug and substance abuse,” read part of the statement.
Jonathan Jackson, through his foundation, has been behind other sporting successes among them the revival of the Nairobi City Stars Football Club.
Since taking over City Stars in March 2019, the foundation has fully funded its operations in the top flight FKF Premier League. The club no longer suffers financial constraints as was the case before its takeover.
City Stars has also attracted seasoned players in the league, among them former Harambee Stars mainstays Peter Opiyo and Anthony Kimani. Former Gor Mahia forward Nicholas Kipkirui also joined the Kawangware-based side’s ranks.
The club finished seventh last season, and is currently on a good run of form under coach Nicholas Muyoti, sitting pretty at third place with 28 points from 16 matches.
According to the Foundation’s website, its patron, Jonathan Jackson, boasts of a portfolio of properties in Nairobi and Naivasha valued at over Ksh100 billion. Among the properties his company, the Lordship Africa Group, manages include the Karen Hills serviced plots, 88 Nairobi luxury condominiums and the Vibanda Village.
Jonathan Jackson was born and raised in Eldoret and is also the chairman of the Foundation’s Advisory Board and of the Nairobi City Stars Football Club board.