More than 400 juniors from the Coast region today benefited from a financial literacy session organized by M-PESA Go during the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament held at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

Speaking at the event, Kawira Mugambi, M-PESA Go Growth Manager noted that it is important to embrace financial literacy to young people as early as 10 years as this will help grow the future when it comes to managing their finances in future.

“Today, we have witnessed an incredible turnout of nearly 500 kids for the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament here in Mombasa. Before the games began, we conducted financial literacy clinics to educate and empower them on key financial management principles such as saving and the importance of embracing healthy financial habits,” said Kawira Mugambi, M-PESA Go Growth Manager.

The financial literacy clinics took place in the morning before the basketball games officially kicked off.

The games featured 40 teams, with 480 players (boys and girls) competing in 5x5 matchups in the knockout stage.

The qualifiers from today's (Saturday) games will face off in the semis and finals for the regional title, on Sunday, at the same venue. (The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa).

The regional champions will take home smartphones and airtime, courtesy of Safaricom M-PESA.

"I have participated in many tournaments, but the M-PESA Jr. NBA experience stands out. It has not only provided my players with a great sporting platform but also invaluable financial literacy knowledge through M-PESA Go. Learning about savings and investment at such a young age is crucial in shaping a financially responsible future generation,” said, Wholly Kawemba, coach and teacher, Umoja JSS Changamwe.