By KPC Sports Reporter
National wheelchair basketball player Ian Kanji is focused on helping Kenya make its mark on the global stage as the team steps up preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kanji, who hails from Githurai 44 and now lives in Nairobi, has been playing wheelchair basketball for about five years after joining the sport in 2021.
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He currently turns out for the Nairobi Wheelchair Basketball Club, which trains at the Nyayo National Stadium Annex.
The national team has been in residential camp at Kasarani for the past two weeks, intensifying training ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the Commonwealth Games.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations, Kanji expressed confidence in the progress made so far.
“It’s just a great game,” he said. “We have been pushing hard and have been in camp for the last two weeks. Our preparations are going perfectly. We are doing what needs to be done because we know we are going to meet the best in the world. We just have to keep up and train exceptionally well.”
Kanji’s passion for basketball began through watching the NBA.
However, because of his physical disability, he could not participate in conventional basketball and instead found an opportunity in the wheelchair version of the sport. He credits a friend, Ochieng, for introducing him to wheelchair basketball while they were in college.
Since then, the game has transformed his life both on and off the court.
“As a person with a disability, it helps me a lot because I can exercise and stay physically fit. It also supports my livelihood considerably,” he said.
Apart from wheelchair basketball, Kanji also occasionally plays sitting volleyball.
His international journey started when he represented Kenya at an Under-23 tournament in South Africa.
Over the years, he has progressed through junior competitions and qualifiers for major continental championships, culminating in participation at the All Africa Games, which he describes as the biggest tournament of his career so far.
According to Kanji, the All Africa Games provided valuable experience despite the tough competition, helping the team improve its continental standing and gain exposure against stronger opponents.
As the team prepares for Glasgow, he praised the support currently being provided to the players and said the focus is now on maximizing training opportunities.
“Our preparations are excellent, and we are getting what we need as players. We cannot complain. It is now up to us to train hard and push ourselves. We have high expectations. As Kenyans, we always have high spirits,” he said.
Kanji acknowledged that Kenya will be competing against some of the strongest wheelchair basketball teams in the world, but believes the challenge should motivate rather than intimidate the squad.
“Being there means we have a good name and a good team. We know we are representing 55 million Kenyans, and we want to make them smile,” he said.
Beyond national pride, Kanji hopes the international competitions will create new opportunities for players to advance their careers.
“You never know who is watching,” he added.
With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Kanji remains determined to help Kenya compete at the highest level while inspiring more persons with disabilities to embrace sport as a pathway to fitness, opportunity and personal growth.
