The Kenya Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF) has rolled the dice on a bold new era, appointing American tactician Roland Sanders to helm the national teams. In a move aimed at shattering the glass ceiling of continental mediocrity, Sanders has been tasked with transforming Kenya’s raw potential into podium-finishing prowess ahead of a grueling international calendar.

Arriving from the basketball heartland of Houston, Texas, Sanders brings a level of technical expertise and tactical rigor that the federation believes is the missing link. With the IWBF Africa Championships in Luanda, Angola, looming just weeks away, the American coach has no time for a honeymoon period. His mission is clear: qualify Kenya for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the World Championships in Ottawa.

The American Influence

Sanders has wasted no time stamping his authority on the squad at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. "The hospitality is on another level, and the talent and intensity are impressive," he remarked after his initial sessions. However, compliments will not win championships. Sanders' focus is on sharpening the team's tactical discipline—moving away from individual brilliance to a cohesive, structured system capable of dismantling Africa's giants like South Africa and Egypt.

The federation’s president, Alfred Simiyu, described the appointment as a strategic necessity. "This move is aimed at strengthening the technical bench and giving Kenya a competitive edge," he stated. The decision to hire a foreign expert reflects a growing realization that to beat the best, Kenya must learn from the best.

A Grueling Calendar

The stakes could not be higher. The Luanda championships (March 27–April 4) serve as the gateway to the world stage. Kenya will be fielding teams in both the 3x3 and 5x5 formats, a logistical and physical challenge that will test the depth of Sanders' squad.

• The Squads: Kenya will field six men and six women for the 3x3 category, and 12-player rosters for the 5x5 teams.
• The Pathway: The Africa Under-25 Women’s Championships in Kinshasa also feature on the roadmap, serving as a critical pipeline to the senior World Championships.
• The History: Kenya’s recent record is one of "so close yet so far"—fourth at the U23 Men’s Championship and a group-stage exit for the women at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Building a Legacy

Sanders represents more than just a coaching hire; he represents a shift in mentality. The goal is no longer just participation but dominance. By integrating the fast-paced, high-IQ style of American basketball with the grit of Kenyan athletes, the KWBF hopes to create a unique identity that will fear no opponent.

As the team grinds through double sessions at Kasarani, the eyes of the sporting nation are on them. The revival of Kenyan wheelchair basketball has begun, and it has a distinctly American accent.