Nairobi City Thunder were crowned the 2025/26 National Basketball Champions for a third consecutive season after defeating arch-rivals Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 74-70 in Game Three of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Premier League Finals at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Friday night, October 2, 2026.
The victory completed a 3-0 series sweep for Thunder, who had already taken the opening two games 78-67 and 73-63 respectively in Mombasa, and saw the Nairobi side overcome a slow start to complete their three-peat and extend their three-season unbeaten domestic run.
In game three, KPA came out firing and established a 27-18 lead at the end of the first quarter, having opened the contest 21-11 ahead as Thunder struggled to find their rhythm.
The Dockers maintained their advantage in the second quarter and went into halftime leading 35-29, leaving Thunder with work to do after the break.
Thunder responded strongly in the third quarter. Garang Diing converted two free throws to bring the game level at 37-37 with five minutes remaining in the period before Derrick Ogechi put Thunder ahead for the first time at 39-37.
The champions then took control, closing the third quarter 53-48 ahead.
KPA refused to surrender in the final quarter, with Thunder leading 59-57 and five minutes remaining, Jason Keseng levelled the game at 59-59 before Salim Kisilu hit a three-pointer to put KPA back in front at 62-59.
Thunder responded through Tyler Ongwae, whose three-pointer made it 62-62, before Diing converted a free throw to restore Thunder’s lead at 63-62.
KPA’s Samuel Kisilu then levelled the contest at 63-63 from the free-throw line, with Tobias Odhiambo putting the Dockers ahead 65-63.
Diing again brought Thunder level at 65-65 with two free throws, but Kisilu’s three-pointer restored KPA’s advantage at 68-65.
With KPA leading 70-68 late in the game, Eugene Adera scored two points to cut the deficit to 70-71. KPA then failed to capitalise on their opportunities and committed costly errors in the closing seconds, allowing David Deng to sink three free throws and seal Thunder’s 74-70 victory.
The individual honours had Thunder’s Derrick Ogechi named the 2025/26 KBF Men’s Premier League MVP, with teammate Tyler Ongwae taking the Finals MVP award.
KPA’s Jason Keseng was named Most Defensive Player, while Thunder head coach Brad Ibs was recognised as Coach of the Year.
The championship underlines Thunder’s dominance in the local league and also sends them back to the continental stage, with the three-time champions set to compete in the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.
