Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam at State House, Nairobi/Screengrab
Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam has urged President William Ruto to reward Kenya's women's national football teams with the same support and financial incentives recently extended to the Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a reception held in honour of the Junior Starlets following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Mwanalima praised the government's support for football but said the women's teams also deserve equal recognition for their achievements.
"Mr President, please extend the same support to us that you showed the CHAN team. Just imagine, we were not happy. Do something for us too. You are our father, and we ask you to hold our hands just as you held the CHAN team," she said.
She said the Junior Starlets' success is proof that Kenyan women's football has enormous potential if given the necessary support.
"Sisi wote, hata Junior wataenda World Cup. Umeona vile wamecheza, ni watu wako determined na wanataka kuona mbele," Mwanalima said.
The captain also urged the government not to abandon the women's teams once the celebrations are over.
"Tukimalizana hapa usituachilie hivi. Tuangalie pia sisi, utushike kwa mkono vile ulishika watu wa CHAN. Pia sisi tufanyie kitu. Tusiwe tunahisi kwamba President halali upande mmoja tu, kwa sababu wewe ndio baba wetu," she added.
Mwanalima also thanked the Junior Starlets' technical bench, the senior Harambee Starlets coaching staff, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and President Ruto for standing by the teams.
"Nimeshukuru sana technical bench ya Junior Starlets, senior team, Football Kenya Federation na wewe Mr President. Tunasema asante sana na tunaomba tuendelee kupata ushirikiano kama huu," she said.
The Junior Starlets made history by qualifying for their second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating South Africa's Bantwana 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Kenya won the first leg 2-0 away in South Africa but conceded an early goal in Nairobi after just five minutes.
A half-time team talk from head coach Mildred Cheche inspired a remarkable comeback. Gaudencia Maloba equalised in the 77th minute before Brenda Achieng converted a penalty in the 88th minute to put Kenya ahead.
Substitute Elizabeth Chiang added a stoppage-time goal to seal a memorable victory and book the team's place at the tournament in Morocco.
Mwanalima's appeal comes after President Ruto rewarded the Harambee Stars with Sh42 million following their opening CHAN victory over DR Congo.
Under the incentive programme, each of the 27 players and 15 members of the technical bench received Sh1 million for the win.
The Starlets now hope their historic achievement will earn them similar investment and recognition as they prepare to represent Kenya on the world stage in Morocco.
