NAIROBI- Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, hosted the national U-17 women’s team, the Harambee Junior Starlets, and the senior women’s team, Harambee Starlets, at State House in Nairobi to celebrate their qualification for major FIFA and CAF tournaments in Morocco.
The Junior Starlets have qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in Kenya’s history. The Starlets have also secured a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
“You are going to Morocco to wear the colours of Kenya on the biggest stage in world football. There is no greater honour for any sportsman or sportswoman than representing your motherland before the world,” President Ruto told the Junior Starlets.
Qualification Built on Resilience
Ruto recalled the Junior Starlets’ comeback against South Africa at Nyayo National Stadium. Down 1-0 at half-time, Kenya rallied to win 3-1 on the day and 5-1 on aggregate to book their World Cup ticket.
“In the 71st minute, Gaudencia Maloba, a young girl from Lindi here in Kibra, Nairobi, scored the equaliser that changed the direction of the match,” Ruto said.
It will be Kenya’s second appearance at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team made its debut in 2024 in the Dominican Republic, where it played England, North Korea and Mexico, securing a 2-1 win over Mexico. That tournament marked Kenya’s first appearance at any FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The President urged the squad to target more this year: “This time, I challenge you to aim even higher. Aim to qualify from the group stages. Believe that you can compete with anyone FIFA places before you”.
From Local Communities to the Global Stage
Ruto spotlighted players whose backgrounds reflect the reach of women’s football in Kenya.
He cited Maloba’s goal as a broader lesson: “that goal carries a lesson far greater than football. It reminds us that when young people are given an opportunity and trusted to perform, they often rise beyond every expectation”.
He also recognized 16-year-old Elizabeth Opiyo, a Grade Nine student at Onding’ Junior Secondary School in Gem, Siaya County, who combines education with football and athletics.
“Your journey reminds us that excellence has no age, and that discipline in the classroom and discipline on the playing field reinforce each other,” Ruto said.
Historic Milestone for Coaching
The President praised head coach Mildred Cheche, noting she is the first Kenyan coach, male or female, to lead a national team to the FIFA World Cup twice.
“On behalf of the people of Kenya, I thank you,” he said, adding tribute to the technical bench, medical and support staff as “the unsung heroes”
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Comprehensive Medical Cover
Junior Starlets captain Beverlyne Awuor raised concerns about injuries and access to treatment.
“You have asked for medical insurance, and I agree with you 100%. From now on, we shall make sure that you have medical insurance that will cover everything, including the surgery you talked about,” Ruto responded.
Affordable Housing
Both Awuor and Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam spoke about growing up in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
“You have also told me that most of you come from informal settlements, and we all understand the indignity of coming from informal settlements,” Ruto said.
“There is no water, there are no toilets… No Kenyan should live in those kinds of conditions, and we have rolled out the affordable housing. We want to get rid of the slums, and you have requested that; we shall do it.”
Kenya’s senior team faces a major challenge at WAFCON 2026 after being placed in Group A with hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria — a group widely described as the tournament’s most competitive.
