Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko awards Junior Starlets Sh1 million on July 12, 2026./HANDOUT
National Economic Development Party (NEDP) leader Mike Sonko has donated Sh1 million to Kenya's Junior Starlets in an impromptu harambee to celebrate their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Congratulating the team on their remarkable achievement, Sonko praised the players and technical bench for making the nation proud and flying the Kenyan flag high on the international stage.
He described their qualification as a testament to hard work, discipline and determination, saying the cash donation was meant to motivate the young footballers as they prepare to represent the country in Morocco.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko awards Junior Starlets Sh1 million on July 12, 2026./HANDOUT
Kenya secured a place at the global tournament after defeating South Africa 3-1 in the second leg of the final qualification round at Nyayo National Stadium, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.
The win marked Kenya's second consecutive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, further cementing the country's growing reputation in women's football.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko awards Junior Starlets Sh1 million on July 12, 2026./HANDOUT
The Junior Starlets, coached by Mildred Cheche, will now head to Morocco later this year seeking to build on the experience gained during their maiden appearance at the 2024 tournament.
Their latest success has been hailed as another milestone for Kenyan football and a reflection of the steady growth and investment in nurturing young female talent.
President William Ruto has also congratulated Kenya's Junior Starlets, praising the team for making the country proud.
Speaking through a video call after the match on Sunday, Ruto lauded the players for their impressive performance and pledged his full support as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.
"You have made us very proud. I love you guys; you have made our country proud. Congratulations, and I'm very proud of you. You can count on my support one hundred per cent," the President said.
Junior Starlets on July 12, 2026./HANDOUT
Junior Starlets on July 12, 2026./HANDOUT
The qualification marks another milestone for coach Mildred Cheche, who guided Kenya to their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance in 2024. She is now the first Kenyan coach to lead a national football team to two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The expanded 24-team tournament will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026. Cheche had warned against complacency despite Kenya’s first-leg advantage, insisting her players had prepared for every possible scenario.
“For every game, we prepare for all situations. We prepare for a draw, a loss and a win, but at this particular moment we were preparing for a win,” she said.
South Africa coach Nompumelelo Khumalo had challenged her side to improve their finishing and defensive organisation after the first-leg defeat, but Bantwana were unable to overturn the deficit.
