Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed has linked the success and qualification of Harambee Starlets for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco to support from the national government.

While congratulating the national women’s football team, Mohammed extended his gratitude to President William Ruto, who has pledged to reward the team handsomely after their return to WAFCON after nine solid years. The last time Kenya featured at the particular tournament was in 2016, with the current squad only having three players who played at the tourney. The FKF boss has also thanked the technical bench led by head coach Beldine Odemba and the fans at large for their support towards the team.

Government support

”Congratulations to our Haranbee Starlets for qualifying for WAFCON 2026! A big thank you to the players and technical bench for this remarkable achievement, to H.E. President William Samoei Ruto and the Government of Kenya for their immense support, and to our passionate fans for always standing with the team,” Mohammed took to X on Tuesday night, October 28, 2025, shortly after Harambee Starlets edged Gambaia 1-0 to qualify for the showpiece.

In his congratulatory message to the team, President William Ruto has promised to honour his Ksh1 million cash reward to every member of Harambee Starlets, a pledge he made before they left for the second leg assignments of the competition’s qualifier in Senegal on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

”Warm congratulations to our brilliant Harambee Starlets for their 1–0 victory over Gambia, sealing a 4–1 aggregate triumph that books Kenya’s place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. This decisive win is a glowing testament to the discipline, talent, and indomitable spirit of our women footballers; and to the remarkable leadership of the technical bench. You have made Kenya immensely proud and reaffirmed Kenya’s rise in women’s sports. As you march toward WAFCON, know that the entire nation celebrates you and is behind you. Kama kawaida, nitacheza kama mimi. Hongera Starlets!” The Head of State said.

Women football growth

Earlier, Beldine Odemba had said that making it to the 2026 WAFCON would be a statement that women’s football in Kenya is growing.
”Qualifying for this WAFCON will show how much improvement we have made as women’s football in the country, and it will open a brighter future for women’s football. We urge our fans, especially those who live here in Senegal, to come and cheer the girls, and fans at home to continue praying with us, sending good vibes to us and believing in us,” she said.