Gov’t Releases Ksh 10M Payout For Harambee Starlets, Works To Show WAFCON On KBC
The government has approved the delivery of the Sh10 million pledged to the Harambee Starlets as the national women’s football team departs for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The officials also promised additional rewards if the team progressed in the event.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi stated that the monies had already been disbursed to help the squad prepare.
Mwangi explained that the funding is part of the government’s commitment to supporting Kenyan athletes to compete in the continental arena.
Mwangi, speaking to the squad at Kandanda House on Wednesday, said the government wanted to make sure the players didn’t have any distractions while travelling to Morocco to make an impact.
Mwangi said the team had held a meeting with President William Ruto on Tuesday, during which the Head of State assured the players of the government’s backing ahead of the tournament.
He said the State Department for Sports was now implementing the President’s directives, including the release of the promised Sh10 million.
“The President promised the girls that they would be given Sh10 million for their facilitation and, as they can confirm, the money has already been given to them,” Mwangi said.
He added that discussions were ongoing on additional performance-based rewards should the team advance deeper into the competition.
According to the PS, the government intends to reward the Starlets using a framework similar to the one adopted for Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
However, the final package is still being agreed upon.
Harambee Starlets depart for France
Players held a demonstration to demand pending dues
PS Sports Elijah Mwangi delivers President’s promise
Players receive KSh 10 million token from the President#JKLive pic.twitter.com/NFjSlJnOf6— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 15, 2026
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi
“There is no crisis,the government is committed to supporting all sports in the country.”
Mwangi has clarified that the KSh10 million presidential reward for the Harambee Starlets was already processed and available yesterday, attributing the delay in… pic.twitter.com/yNzOQ4HfRv— The Truthful Men (@Dollar__SM) July 15, 2026
“We shall continue supporting them through the different stages as part of motivation, and we are working on an agreeable figure for them,” he said.
Mwangi also dismissed suggestions of a funding crisis in Kenyan sports, maintaining that the government remained committed to supporting all national teams.
He said issues relating to players’ allowances follow established government procedures, noting that payments are processed directly into individual bank accounts.
The PS urged Kenyans to rally behind the team throughout the tournament.
He insisted that the qualification for WAFCON was a significant achievement that deserved national support.
“It is not always that our team qualifies to play at this level,” he said.
“My humble request to Kenyans is that let us support our team because they will be wearing the Kenyan jersey.”
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi is currently engaging Harambee Starlets players in a bid to persuade them to end their go-slow over unpaid allowances and proceed with their scheduled trip to France.
The players remain inside the federation’s offices, insisting they will… pic.twitter.com/7G6T0PHpWH— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) July 15, 2026
He added that the ministry was working with the national broadcaster, KBC, to ensure Kenyans can follow the team’s matches during the tournament.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed also appealed to Kenyans to stand with the players.
ALSO READ:
- Gov’t Releases Ksh 10M Payout For Harambee Starlets, Works To Show WAFCON On KBC
- Education PS Issues Way Forward On Pending 2025 KCSE Invigilators’ Payments
- HUGE TWIST: Slain Westlands Robbery Suspect Found With Senior Judge’s Gun
- Hundreds Of Police Officers Seen In Ol Kalou Ahead Of Thursday’s By-Election
- UDA FIERCELY Defends CSs, PSs Campaigning In The Ol Kalou By-Election
Mohammed said that the federation remained fully committed to supporting them throughout their campaign.
“We ask Kenyans to support the girls and pray for them as they embark on their training in France before heading to Morocco,” he said.
“As FKF, we are very committed and will continue supporting them in whatever they do.”
Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam welcomed the government’s support, saying the players were now focused on delivering results on the pitch.
“The government has done what it promised, and the President has also fulfilled his promise. Now it is our turn as players to go and do our job,” she said.
She thanked Kenyans for their continued encouragement and appealed for their prayers during the tournament.
“Support us and pray for us because without you we cannot make it. The President has played his part, and the government is behind us. We are ready to go and fight for Kenya,” Adam said.
Gov’t Releases Ksh 10M Payout For Harambee Starlets, Works To Show WAFCON On KBC
