President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended a WNBA game in Brooklyn between the Atlanta Dream and the New York Liberty to support Kenyan-born star Madina Okot.

The high-profile appearance highlighted Kenya’s growing footprint on the global sports stage. Okot, who made history as the first Kenyan player drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream. During the matchup in Brooklyn, the Atlanta Dream secured an 83-65 victory, with Okot making a brief appearance on the court to the delight of the traveling leadership and supporters.

President Ruto’s presence underscored the government’s broader commitment to youth and sports development, aligning with recent initiatives such as partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to construct grassroots basketball courts across Kenya. The presidential visit served as a strong endorsement of Okot’s trailblazing journey, which has transformed her into a national icon and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across East Africa. As Okot continues to adjust to the intense pace of professional basketball in the United States, her landmark achievement has drawn immense pride from home. The supportive turnout by the First Family in New York emphasizes how athletic excellence abroad continues to elevate Kenya’s international profile, inspiring a new generation to aim for the global arena.