Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) is today set to launch its ultramodern basketball court as part of its efforts to develop facilities to enhance higher education in the country. The official launch will take place at the campus outdoor basketball court in Kicukiro District. With a capacity to accommodate over 150 people with well lit lights and Wifi, the court has been built at a cost of $200,000 with the support of the Basketball team patron Prof Simon Gicharu, the founder and Chairman, Board of Directors , Mount Kenya University. It will also combine as a volleyball court. In a telephone interview with Gicharu, he said the University will increase funding to develop sporting facilities as part of its goal in enhancing quality education in niche areas that are vital to the development of Rwanda. During a tour of the court with the press, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Evans Kerosi said the court has been developed to nature talent amongst students and the public. “It has been a long and complex process to get to this point, with numerous challenges overcome to put up such a modern facility that will see sports development at the campus and a speckle for basketball fans in Kicukiro District and the surrounding areas,” Kerosi said. “Our mission is to get as many students as possible involved in sports. If we can inspire the next generation, we will have done a great job. We shall also continue forging and nurturing links with the community we live in for sustainable development.” During the launch, two universities will join MKUR to compete for the inaugural cup. Those expected to attend are University of Kigali and University of Rwandas College of Science and Technology. According to the MKUR captain, Joseph Bukuru, the primary aim is to grow the game as a sporting code on campus. “Through this, we also hope to recruit as many students as possible to the basketball team,” he said. MKUR is re-known in the country for producing top basketball players playing at the national and professional level.
