Ruto rewards Harambee Starlets with Sh10m for WAFCON qualifier victory over Gambia

Harambee Starlets celebrate after beating The Gambia 3-1 in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

President William Ruto has rewarded Harambee Starlets with Sh10 million following their 3–1 win over The Gambia in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

The victory moved Kenya a step closer to securing a ticket to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2016, when the Starlets made their WAFCON debut in Cameroon.

Before the match, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi conveyed a goodwill message from the President, announcing an initial Sh5 million token.

“He directed that I pay and clear your allowances, so the allowances will be cleared," Mwangi said, then added: "He is very much aware that today we are having a very important game, and since he has not had an opportunity to come and celebrate with you in the previous matches, he has sent me with Sh5 million.

“He knows that you are going to win, and since you are going to win, he is going to give you Sh5 million more,” he added.

The President also promised Sh1 million for each player if they win the return leg and qualify, Sh500,000 each if they draw and Sh2.5 million for the whole team if they draw.

Harambee Starlets in action against The Gambia

The second leg will be played on Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, east of Senegal’s capital Dakar, since The Gambia lacks a stadium that meets CAF standards.

A win or draw will guarantee Kenya qualification.

The 2026 WAFCON will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.

Following the victory, Ruto congratulated the team on X, saying, “As promised, nitacheza kama mimi.”

“Hearty congratulations to our gallant Harambee Starlets for the 3-1 triumph over Gambia, a commanding performance that propels Kenya closer to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco,” he wrote.

“This victory speaks to the discipline, talent and determination of our women footballers and the steadfast leadership of the technical bench. You have made Kenya proud and reaffirmed our nation’s growing strength in women’s sports.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed thanked the Head of State for his generosity, saying, “Grateful to President William Ruto for his generous support to the Harambee Starlets ahead of their WAFCON qualifier against The Gambia this afternoon at Nyayo Stadium. The President has already extended Sh5 million today to motivate the team and further promised more.”

Other leaders, including Interior PS Raymond Omollo and former Machakos Governor Johnson Muthama, also lauded the team for the spirited display.

Harambee Starlets celebrate after beating The Gambia 3-1 in WAFCON first leg tie at Nyayo stadium, October 24, 2025.