Ruto lauds Starlets, pledges Sh1m each after WAFCON qualification

President William Ruto has lauded the Harambee Starlets for their remarkable qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hailing them as “true champions” and promising to reward each player with Sh1 million for their stellar performance.

In a cheerful message shared on X, the President commended the team’s determination and unity, saying their victory over Gambia had made the entire country proud.

“Hi guys, how are you? Congratulations! You were serious — you played like champions,” President Ruto said.

Speaking via phone, Ruto reaffirmed his earlier pledge of Sh1 million per player, a promise he made after their dominant 3–1 victory over Gambia in the first leg played 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,” he added, praising the Starlets for their resilience and contribution to raising the profile of women’s football in the country.

The President’s reward of Sh1 million per player comes in addition to the Sh10 million he had already awarded the team after their home win in the first leg.

His gesture underscores a growing commitment to supporting women’s football and motivating the national team ahead of their continental campaign.

The Harambee Starlets sealed their qualification after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Gambia in the return leg played in Senegal on Tuesday evening.

Forward Mwanahalima Adam, popularly known as Dogo, scored the decisive goal that secured Kenya’s 4–1 aggregate victory and a place in next year’s WAFCON tournament.

Apart from the national pride that came with qualification, the players will also enjoy financial rewards, with each expected to receive the pledged amount individually as promised by the Head of State.

This marks a historic return to the WAFCON stage for Kenya, which last featured in the tournament in 2016.

The Starlets’ qualification reflects the steady progress of women’s football in the country amid increased investment, improved structures, and growing public interest.

Qualifying for WAFCON also comes with wider benefits from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which continues to push for greater visibility, funding, and training opportunities for women athletes across Africa.

President Ruto, who has consistently supported the growth of sports in Kenya, has previously rewarded athletes and footballers for their achievements, from the men’s national team to individual sporting heroes.

His gesture towards the Starlets further cements his administration’s commitment to nurturing sports talent and empowering women in athletics.

Fans and sports stakeholders have widely celebrated Ruto’s message and pledge, describing it as a timely morale boost for the team as they begin preparations for the 2026 WAFCON finals.

The Harambee Starlets will now shift their focus to training and fine-tuning their squad for the continental showpiece, where they aim to make history and fly the Kenyan flag high once again.