Government Confirms Sh10m Payout to Harambee Starlets Ahead of WAFCON
“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.
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
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) in Morocco.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the funds had already been disbursed to facilitate the team’s preparations, describing it as part of the government’s commitment to supporting Kenyan athletes 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.
“We are here to give moral support to our Starlets as they head for WAFCON in Morocco,” he said.
Mwangi revealed that 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.
“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, with the government looking to adopt a framework similar to the one used for Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“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.
The PS also dismissed suggestions of a funding crisis in sports, noting that allowances are processed directly into individual bank accounts through established procedures.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed appealed to Kenyans to stand with the players throughout their campaign in Morocco, saying the federation remained fully committed to supporting them.
Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam welcomed the support, saying the focus is now on delivering 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.
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