President William Ruto on Tuesday flagged off the Harambee Starlets at State House, Nairobi, as Kenya’s senior women’s football team prepares to compete at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Head of State also celebrated the Junior Starlets for securing a second consecutive qualification to the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, describing both achievements as evidence of the country’s growing investment in women’s football.
“You are going to Morocco to wear the colours of Kenya on the biggest stage in African football. There is no greater honour for any sportsman or sportswoman than representing your motherland before the world,” Ruto told the Harambee Starlets.
He congratulated the team for qualifying for the continental showpiece, which runs from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco. “The country is truly proud of your achievement, and we shall be cheering you on as you represent us at the continental level,” he said.
Ruto attributed Kenya’s recent success in women’s football to sustained investment in sports development. “This achievement is not an accident. Nations that consistently excel in sport invest in young people long before the world knows their names. That is exactly what Kenya is doing,” he said.
The President revealed that more than 10,000 young athletes are currently enrolled in structured development programmes through schools, county governments and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
He added that the Government is also training over 6,000 coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and sports administrators through specialised capacity-building programmes.
On infrastructure, Ruto said Talanta Sports City is now 95 per cent complete, while the Government is constructing 32 modern stadia across the country.
“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. In the last financial year alone, the Government invested KSh4.5 billion to support our national teams, covering accommodation, kits, allowances and logistics so that our athletes can train and compete in dignity,” he said.
He added that national team players will also benefit from Social Health Authority medical cover and the Affordable Housing Programme.
Highlighting the importance of youth development, Ruto singled out 16-year-old Junior Starlets player Elizabeth Opiyo of Onding Junior Secondary School in Gem, Siaya County, who combines football with athletics while pursuing her studies.
“Your journey reminds us that excellence has no age, and that discipline in the classroom and discipline on the playing field reinforce each other,” he said.
He challenged the Junior Starlets to target a place beyond the group stage at the World Cup. “Believe that you can compete with anyone FIFA places before you,” he said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and policies aimed at making sports a viable career.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohamed praised the Government’s investment in sports, saying the current administration has made unprecedented commitments to sports development, including the construction of 32 stadia.
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche said the team is determined to progress beyond the group stage at the World Cup, as captain Beverline Otieno thanked the Government for its support throughout the qualification campaign.
Harambee Starlets captain Mwanahalima Adam said the squad is focused on making a strong impression at WAFCON as they pursue the long-term goal of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“It has not been easy to qualify for WAFCON twice, and we are working hard to achieve our dream of reaching the World Cup,” she said.
