Kenyan Pioneer Madina Okot Drafted 13th Overall by Atlanta Dream in WNBA

History was made on April 14. Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 center from Mumias, became the first Kenyan player ever drafted into the WNBA — selected 13th overall in the first round by the Atlanta Dream.

She walks into a four-year fully guaranteed rookie contract worth approximately $1.3 million — around KES 168 million. Her starting salary alone is $289,133.

The journey has been remarkable. Okot began her athletic career playing volleyball at Bishop Sulumeti High School before switching to basketball at Kaya Tiwi Secondary. She went through KPA and Zetech Sparks before earning a college scholarship in the United States, eventually playing at South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley. In her final NCAA season, she led the SEC in rebounding and recorded 22 double-doubles.

She joins the Dream’s frontcourt alongside Angel Reese. Kenya now has a player in the WNBA.