- Harambee Starlets are set to reap heavily after qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- Beldine Odemba’s girls beat Gambia’s Queen Scorpions over two legs, 4-1 on aggregate, to end a nine-year wait
- The team is set to earn money from President William Ruto’s promises and the prize money CAF will pay at WAFCON 2026
Harambee Starlets beat Gambia on Tuesday evening to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Source: Twitter
Mwanahalima Adam scored the only goal in the game played in Senegal to give Kenya a commanding 4-1 aggregate score.
It will be the first time the team is heading back to the continental stage in 10 years, with their last appearance coming way back in 2016 under David Ouma.
How much will President Ruto give Harambee Starlets?
Apart from the euphoria of qualifying, the girls are set to earn millions while at it. The first money will be distributed on an individual basis, as promised by President William Ruto.
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Ruto has vowed to give each of the players KSh 1 million if they win away and qualify. In his congratulatory message on Tuesday night, he confirmed he would fulfil his promise.
“Warm congratulations to our brilliant Harambee Starlets for their 1–0 victory over Gambia, sealing a 4–1 aggregate triumph that books Kenya’s place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco,” he said on social media.
“You have made Kenya immensely proud and reaffirmed Kenya’s rise in women’s sports. As you march toward WAFCON, know that the entire nation celebrates you and is behind you. Kama kawaida, nitacheza kama mimi.”
The KSh 1 million per person follows the KSh 10 million he had already given when they won the first leg in Nairobi.
How much Harambee Starlets will get for WAFCON qualification
Apart from the president’s promise, qualifying for WAFCON is set to come with benefits of its own as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continues to make concerted efforts to improve the women’s game.
Ahead of WAFCON 2026, which Nigeria won, the governing body increased the prize money for the winner and awarded USD 1 million (KSh 129 million).
The runners-up got half of that, which is KSh 64.6 million. The third-placed finisher got KSh 45 million, and the fourth-placed team walked away with KSh 38.7 million.
Source: Twitter
For the sides that reached the quarter-finals, they got KSh 25.8 million each, while the third-placed teams in every group were awarded KSh 19 million.
The fourth-placed teams in every group got KSh 16 million. This, therefore, means that unless CAF increases the prize money again ahead of the 2026 edition, Kenya is guaranteed at least KSh 16 million for just qualifying for WAFCON.
It is, however, important to note that the prize money CAF gives is not given to the players. It is remitted to the federation, which then decides to use it as it sees fit.
Kibet included in Harambee Stars squad
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars have named their latest squad for the November friendly games.
Aldrine Kibet has been included, while captain Michael Olunga is the major absentee.
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Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
