President William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to developing sports as a pillar of national progress, youth empowerment, and international competitiveness, as the country prepares its women’s national football teams for major continental and global tournaments.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto officially flagged off the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets ahead of their participation in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The President praised the players for their hard work and dedication, expressing confidence that they will represent Kenya with pride and distinction on the international stage.
“We are proud of their achievements and wish them every success as they represent our nation,” President Ruto said. He added that the athletes’ accomplishments demonstrate the impact of sustained investment in youth development, talent identification, and sports. “Their success reflects deliberate investment in youth, talent development and sports,” he said.
President Ruto noted that Kenya’s sports transformation extends well beyond elite competition. He announced that more than 10,000 young athletes are currently enrolled in structured talent development programmes delivered through schools, county governments, and the Kenya Academy of Sports. The initiative is intended to identify and nurture future champions while expanding opportunities for young people across the country.
To strengthen the foundation of Kenya’s sporting ecosystem, the President also revealed that more than 6,000 coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and sports administrators have completed specialized professional training. According to the government, improving the skills of sports professionals is expected to enhance athlete performance, strengthen sports management, and raise the overall quality of competition.
The government is also making significant investments in sports infrastructure. President Ruto announced that Talanta Sports City is now approximately 95 percent complete, while construction continues on 32 modern stadiums across Kenya. These facilities are expected to support athlete development, increase access to quality training venues, and position Kenya to host more regional and international sporting events.
The investments form part of Kenya’s broader strategy to use sports as a vehicle for economic growth, national unity, youth employment, and international recognition. By combining infrastructure development, professional training, and grassroots talent programmes, the government aims to build a sustainable sports sector capable of producing world-class athletes while creating opportunities for future generations.
The send-off ceremony also reflected growing national support for women’s football, with government leaders encouraging the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets to compete with confidence and determination as ambassadors of Kenya on the continental and global stage.
