In a show of national pride and encouragement, President William Ruto has rewarded the Harambee Starlets with KSh 10 million following their emphatic victory over The Gambia in the first leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
The Kenyan women’s national football team impressed with a commanding performance that reignited hopes of a return to the continental stage. A delighted President Ruto congratulated the players for their determination and discipline, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to supporting women in sports.
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“I am incredibly proud of our Harambee Starlets. You have made Kenya proud, and your hard work deserves to be recognized,” President Ruto said during a congratulatory event.
The Head of State went further to promise an additional KSh 1 million to each player should they triumph in the return leg, which would confirm their qualification for WAFCON. Even a draw, he announced, would not go unrewarded — each player will receive KSh 500,000 if they secure the needed result to progress.
This gesture not only boosts morale within the team but also underscores the growing government support for women’s football in Kenya. The Starlets are now focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for the decisive away fixture against The Gambia, with a place in next year’s WAFCON firmly within their grasp.
Kenya last featured in the continental showpiece in 2016, and qualification this time would mark a major milestone in the resurgence of women’s football in the country.