Brian Omwando, a professional player, is at the forefront of pickleball development in Kenya. The founder of the Nairobi Pickleball Club has brought the sport to hundreds of Kenyans from the capital to Mombasa on the coast
His personal story is one of perseverance, passion, and a vision for uplifting communities through sport. Here’s a look at how he discovered the sport, overcame challenges, and is now shaping the future of pickleball in Kenya.
A Challenging Start: Life Before Pickleball
Born and raised in one of Kenya’s largest slums, Brian Omwando’s early life was far from easy. He grew up in one of the largest slums in Africa, raised by a single mother who struggled to provide for her children. Yet, amid the daily challenges, Brian learned valuable lessons from his mother.
“My mum always taught us to treat others with respect, never take what doesn’t belong to you, and always find a way to live harmoniously with people,” Brian recalls. This grounding in integrity and respect shaped his outlook on life, both on and off the court.
Brian’s first love was football, a sport that nearly every child in the neighborhood played. But it wasn’t until he was introduced to tennis at the age of 10 that he discovered a passion for sports beyond football. Tennis became his gateway into organized sports, and thanks to the support of his mother, he dove into it with enthusiasm.
Discovering Pickleball in Kenya
Brian first heard of pickleball in 2018 while at JD Tennis Academy, where he worked as a tennis coach. A visitor, Daniel Moore, introduced the sport during one of his trips. Initially, Brian and his tennis colleagues didn’t take the game seriously. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and tennis became harder to play due to space limitations, they turned to pickleball.
“With limited space to play during the pandemic, we started playing pickleball to keep active and pass the time,” Brian shares. What started as a casual activity soon became a passion.
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Founding the Nairobi Pickleball Club
In mid-2021, Brian created a pickleball account on social media after seeing posts about the sport online. His curiosity about growing pickleball in Kenya led to a pivotal moment when he received a direct message asking where pickleball was played in Kenya. At that time, there were no established pickleball clubs, but this inquiry planted a seed.
Joe and Ernie, who would become Brian’s business partners, saw potential in the idea and encouraged him to give it a shot. Together, they started playing on murram tennis courts, and thus, the Nairobi Pickleball Club was born.
“The belief they had in me was incredible,” Brian says. “Their passion for the sport, combined with my vision, led to the creation of the club.”
However, starting a new sport in a country where it was virtually unknown came with its own set of challenges. The biggest hurdle was finding a location to play. After exploring multiple options, Brian and his team finally secured a space at the Two Rivers Mall rooftop parking area, where the club now operates.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing the Sport
Establishing a new sport in Kenya hasn’t been without its difficulties. The unpredictable weather, especially during the rainy season, limits outdoor play. Government involvement in supporting and promoting pickleball has also been slow. Nevertheless, Brian remains optimistic, believing that with time and persistence, the sport will gain wider recognition.
Despite these obstacles, the local community has responded positively to the Nairobi Pickleball Club. From just a few curious individuals at the beginning, the club has grown to over 2,000 players. “We create a welcoming atmosphere, showing inclusivity to everyone. That’s how we’ve been able to grow so fast,” Brian says.
The Future of Pickleball Development In Kenya
Brian’s vision for pickleball in Kenya is big. He sees a future where pickleball clubs sprout up across the country, with more players from different regions getting involved. His ultimate goal is to see Kenyan players competing in top-tier international tournaments like the APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) and PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) tours.
“I aspire to have different players making it to the APP and PPA and aim to create an African league,” Brian explains. He also dreams of nurturing young athletes through pickleball, creating opportunities for them to grow and evolve through the sport.
In addition to growing pickleball nationally, Brian has a strong desire to share Kenyan culture with the world through sport. For instance, BOK paddles, a locally made pickleball brand, represent more than just playing equipment, they carry the story of Kenyan pride and resilience.
Engaging the Community and Attracting New Players
One of the key strategies Brian uses to promote pickleball is organizing monthly tournaments at the Nairobi Pickleball Club. These events bring together both seasoned players and newcomers, offering a fun, inclusive environment where people of all skill levels can compete and bond over BBQs and friendly matches.
In a bid to extend the reach of pickleball beyond Nairobi, Brian and his team launched the “Pickleball Mtaani” initiative, which brings the sport to different neighborhoods and communities, including children’s homes. This grassroots effort is making pickleball accessible to people from all walks of life, helping to spread the joy of the game far and wide.
Advice to Young Athletes
When asked what advice he would give to young athletes looking to pursue pickleball professionally, Brian stresses the importance of discipline. “The first key to success is discipline,” he says. “Once your ‘why’ is strong, you can achieve anything you aspire to.”
How Supporters and Sponsors Can Help
The Nairobi Pickleball Club relies heavily on community support and sponsorships to continue growing the sport. With the “Pickleball Mtaani” initiative, Brian and his team often visit regions where equipment is scarce. Partnering with sponsors who are committed to making a positive impact in the community would allow the club to reach even more people and continue spreading the love of pickleball.
Conclusion
Brian Omwando’s journey from the slums of Nairobi to founding Kenya’s first pickleball club is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and vision. Through pickleball, he is not only changing his own life but also the lives of countless others in his community. As the sport continues to grow in Kenya, Brian’s efforts are paving the way for a bright future, both for pickleball and for the young athletes who will one day carry the torch forward.
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