Kenya U16 boys basketball team clinches bronze at youth tournament in Senegal

Kenya’s U16 National Boys Basketball Team has proudly returned home on Sunday with a bronze medal after an intense 19-17 victory over Algeria at a youth basketball tournament in Dakar, Senegal from November 8-10.

This remarkable achievement marks an important step as they set their sights on the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar in 2026.

The tournament in Dakar was a moment of cultural celebration as well, coinciding with the third edition of the Dakar en Jeux Festival, which featured sports exhibitions and a concert.

The event symbolized the two-year countdown to the 2026 YOG as the management of the global showpiece seek to foster community spirit and excitement for the upcoming Games.

The festival that featured Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Algeria previewed the growing preparations for Dakar 2026.

Iconic elements of the Games including the official song, mascot, and medal will be revealed next year.

In 2025, ticketing will open and a volunteer program will be launched, inviting the public to join in the Games’ celebrations and contribute to its success.

Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, the Dakar Youth Olympic Games represent a significant milestone for the Olympic Movement, as they will be the first-ever Olympic event hosted in Africa.

The Kenya U16 Boys Basketball Team’s success in Dakar signals that they are on a promising trajectory for 2026.