Sports PS Elijah Mwangi alongside Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed addressing media at Kandanda House on July 15, 2026/ SCREENGRAB
The government has confirmed the release of Sh10 million promised to Harambee Starlets as the national women's football team departed for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with officials also pledging further incentives should the team progress in the tournament.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the funds had already been disbursed to facilitate the team's preparations, describing the payment as part of the government's commitment to supporting Kenyan athletes competing on the continental stage.
Speaking while seeing off the squad at Kandanda House on Wednesday, Mwangi said the government was keen to ensure the players travelled without distractions as they seek to make an impact in Morocco.
"We are here to give moral support to our Starlets as they head for WAFCON in Morocco," he said.
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), although the final package is still being agreed upon.
"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, saying qualification for WAFCON was a significant achievement that deserved national support.
"It is not always that our team qualifies to play at this level. My humble request to Kenyans is that let us support our team because they will be wearing the Kenyan jersey," he said.
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, saying 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. As FKF, we are very committed and will continue supporting them in whatever they do," he said.
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.
