President William Ruto has boosted the morale of the Harambee Starlets with a cash gift of Ksh5 million ahead of their crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia at Nyayo Stadium.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed shared the news on his official X account on Friday, October 24, 2025, describing the president’s gesture as a powerful show of faith in women’s football in Kenya.

“Grateful to H.E. President William Samoei Ruto for his generous support to the Harambee Starlets ahead of their WAFCON qualifier against The Gambia this afternoon at Nyayo Stadium,” Hussein said.

The FKF boss added that the president had already extended Ksh5 million to motivate the players before kickoff and went further to announce an additional set of performance rewards depending on the team’s results in the qualifiers.

According to Hussein, the President has promised Ksh5 million if the Starlets secure a home win, Ksh2.5 million for a draw, Ksh1 million each if they win away and qualify, and Ksh500,000 each if they draw away and still qualify for the next stage.

“The President has already extended Ksh5 million today to motivate the team and further promised: Ksh5 million for a home win, Ksh2.5 million for a draw, Ksh1 million each if they win away and qualify, and Ksh500,000 each if they draw away and qualify,” Hussein said.

He added that the support was not just about money but about recognition of the team’s dedication and effort in representing the country at the continental level.

“Your support continues to inspire confidence and belief in our women’s football,” Hussein said, appreciating the Head of State’s continued encouragement of the Starlets.

The Harambee Starlets have been seeking to make a strong return to continental football, with renewed energy and national attention on their performance. The President’s contribution, Hussein noted, would serve as both financial motivation and a sign that Kenya’s women’s team has the country’s full backing.

As the players prepared to face The Gambia, the gesture from State House was seen as a morale booster, one that could inspire the team to deliver a spirited performance on home soil.