Harambee Starlets players have each received a reward of Ksh1 million following their win over Gambia in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In a statement on Thursday, October 30, Dennis Itumbi confirmed that the players and technical bench had received their full financial reward as pledged by President William Ruto.
"President William Ruto has played his part! The Harambee Starlets’ pledge has been fully settled; Ksh5 million was paid during their State House visit, another Ksh5 million after Kenya’s home win, each of the 23 players received Ksh1 million, and each official pocketed Ksh500,000. Total package, Ksh35 million delivered," he stated.
The Harambee Starlets earned a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament following a 4-1 aggregate win over Gambia.
The Starlets won 1-0 against Gambia in the second leg of the final qualification, which was played at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, on Tuesday, October 28.
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Mwanalima Adam Jeroko scored the only goal in the 50th minute of the match, securing Kenya’s spot in the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
The team had headed to the second leg after a crucial 3-1 win against the Gambia at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 24.
Goals from Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and youngster Shalyne Opisa secured the Harambee Starlets’ first-leg advantage.
The 4-1 aggregate win against the Gambia has sent the Harambee Starlets team back to the continental stage for the first time in nine years.
The 2026 WAFCON tournament will be held in Morocco from March 17, 2026, to April 3, 2026.
In a statement after the match, Ruto congratulated the team for beating Gambia to qualify for the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
He also promised to reward the team for the great performance in the match.
"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. This decisive win is a glowing testament to the discipline, talent, and indomitable spirit of our women's footballers, and to the remarkable leadership of the technical bench.
"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," he stated.
