Kenya National women’s soccer Harambee Starlets players staged protests at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Goal Project offices in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Wednesday, demanding immediate payment of their outstanding allowances.

The demonstrations came a day after the players met President William Ruto at State House Nairobi, where he hosted them for breakfast following their qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

 

The players led by captain Mwanalima Adam Jereko staged the protests shortly after some of their teammates reportedly departed for the team’s final pre-WAFCON training camp in France.

The protesting players insisted that all outstanding allowances be settled before they also travel, arguing that they should not enter the crucial phase of their preparations with unresolved financial concerns.

In the footage which is circulating on online platforms, Starlets are seen breaking into songs and dance, chanting slogans threatening to boycott the travel to France as well as the tournament altogether.

“No money, no France, no money, no WAFCON,’ they chanted as they surrounded the offices.

 

During the State House meeting, however, President Ruto confirmed that all pending allowances had been paid, raising concerns over the fresh protests.

According to the Head of State, Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangangi, has cleared all pending allowances owed to Kenya’s national teams, amounting to over Ksh33 million.

 

“I have been briefed by the PS that all the allowances have been paid, and we have made sure that whatever it is that is part of the government has been done because he tells me he has already paid out Ksh33 million to make sure that all of us are going in the right direction,” Ruto stated during the meeting.

The Ministry of Sports had outstanding allowances owed to Harambee Stars, Harambee Starlets, the Junior Starlets, and the national futsal team, but President Ruto said the payments have since been settled.