NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has hailed the Harambee Starlets as “true champions” after their historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), announcing a Sh1 million reward for each player to celebrate their achievement.
In a congratulatory message shared on X (formerly Twitter), President Ruto praised the team’s determination and unity, saying their victory had brought immense pride to the nation.
“Hi guys, how are you? Congratulations! You were serious — you played like champions,” Ruto said, commending the Starlets’ performance against The Gambia.
Speaking via phone, the Head of State reaffirmed his earlier pledge of Sh1 million per player, a promise he had made following their 3–1 first-leg win in Nairobi.
“And as I promised, I will also play my part. Right now, I’m in Nakuru, heading to Kakamega tomorrow, but when I return, I’ll look for you so that I can plan as I told you,” he said. “Kenya is behind you, and we are very proud of you. You’ve shown that Kenya is a great nation.”
The pledge adds to the Sh10 million President Ruto had earlier awarded the team after their home victory, signalling his administration’s deepening commitment to supporting women’s football.
The Harambee Starlets sealed qualification after a 1–0 win over The Gambia in the return leg played in Senegal on Tuesday evening. Forward Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam scored the decisive goal, securing a 4–1 aggregate victory that sent Kenya back to the continental stage for the first time since 2016.
The triumph has been celebrated as a major milestone for women’s football in Kenya, which has seen steady growth amid increased investment, improved structures, and greater public interest.
President Ruto’s gesture has been widely praised by fans and sports stakeholders as a timely morale boost ahead of the Starlets’ continental campaign.
The President has previously supported national athletes, including the men’s football team and track stars, as part of a broader strategy to nurture sports talent and promote gender equality in athletics.
Football analysts say Kenya’s return to WAFCON is also a win for regional representation, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continues to push for greater visibility, funding, and professional development for women athletes across the continent.
The Harambee Starlets are now set to begin preparations for the 2026 WAFCON finals, aiming to build on their momentum and make history as one of Africa’s rising teams in women’s football.
“Qualifying for WAFCON is not just a victory for the team — it’s a statement of how far women’s sports have come in Kenya,” said one football analyst. “The President’s recognition will inspire the next generation of girls to dream big.”
With their place at Africa’s biggest women’s football stage secured, the Harambee Starlets will now focus on fine-tuning their squad and flying the Kenyan flag high once again.