Kenya Minute.
Sunday, 19 July 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 19 July 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Organization

Harambee Starlets

Kenya's women's national football team competing in the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco under head coach Beldine Odemba.

2026-04-242026-07-19

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeFormer Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko is set to represent Kenya on football’s biggest stage after securing a senior operational role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Ex-Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko lands key FIFA World Cup role
  3. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeHarambee Starlets midfielder Fasila Adhiambo (right) in action against Zambia’s Margaret Belemu during Fifa Four Nations tournament match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola, on June 6, 2026. [FAZ Media] Harambee Starlets on Saturday lost 4-1 in post-match penalties

    Zambia edge out Harambee Starlets in penalty shootout
  4. Citizen Digital

    Adhiambo rallies Starlets attack ahead of Zambia Four-Nation showdown By Geoffrey Mwamburi June 04, 2026 02:50 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Harambee Starlets players celebrate scoring against India durin

    Adhiambo rallies Starlets attack ahead of Zambia Four-Nation showdown
  5. Citizen Digital

    Harambee Starlets are in a tricky Pool ‘A’ that has hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal.

    Referee Josephine Wanjiku reflects on 'proud' WAFCON selection
  6. Citizen Digital

    Kenya-Simba SC in tug-of-war over release of players for national duty By Geoffrey Mwamburi June 02, 2026 01:42 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Harambee Starlets players celebrate after scoring against Came

    Kenya-Simba SC in tug-of-war over release of players for national duty
  7. Citizen Digital

    Coach Odemba calls on fans to rally behind Starlets as WAFCON preps take shape By Magdaline Thuku June 02, 2026 11:46 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Harambee Starlets players during a training session in p

    Coach Odemba calls on fans to rally behind Starlets as WAFCON preps take shape
  8. Citizen Digital

    Starlets target AWCON readiness in Zambia test By John Kyanda June 01, 2026 07:35 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter A watchful Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba leads a training session during the team's

    Starlets target AWCON readiness in Zambia test
  9. May 2026
  10. The Standard

    However, despite a series of successes like Junior Starlets qualifying for the 2024 Under-17 Fifa Women’s World Cup and Harambee Starlets securing their return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) they are still shackled and not empowered to reach their full potential.

    Police Bullets reign supreme as financial constraints choke teams
  11. Citizen Digital

    African sprint record holder Ferdinand Omanyala trained there ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, while the Harambee Starlets also held training sessions there earlier this year in preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Kenya bets on sports economy to unlock youth opportunity ahead of France–Africa Summit
  12. The Standard

    s’ title to Nakuru City Football Academy, Catherine Akinyi of Ubunifu is another young footballer with ambitions.Akinyi who was voted the Best Player in that age category in the Rausha Kipaji tournament sees herself getting selected to play for the national team Harambee Starlets

    Youngsters continue to play with hope of talent not going to waste
Sport

Harambee Starlets prepare for WAFCON in France training camp

The News

Kenya's women's football team is training in Miramas, France before the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they face Morocco, Senegal and Algeria in Group A. The camp reflects a strategic shift in Kenyan football administration toward international partnerships and long-term development, including cooperation agreements with Olympique de Marseille and the City of Miramas.

20 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Yesterday

  1. Harambee Starlets prepare for WAFCON in France training camp

    Kenya's women's football team is training in Miramas, France before the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they face Morocco, Senegal and Algeria in Group A. The camp reflects a strategic shift in Kenyan football administration toward international partnerships and long-term development, including cooperation agreements with Olympique de Marseille and the City of Miramas.

    20 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Friday 17 July

  1. Kenyan striker Nekesa joins Spanish top-flight side

    Harambee Starlets forward Valarie Nekesa, 18, has joined Spanish Women Premier League side CD Tenerife Femenino, becoming the third Kenyan woman to sign for a club in Spain. Nekesa describes the move as a dream and an ideal platform to establish herself in European football.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenyan striker Nekesa joins Spanish club CD Tenerife

    Harambee Starlets forward Valarie Nekesa, 18, has signed for Spanish Women Premier League side CD Tenerife Femenino, becoming the third Kenyan woman to join a Spanish club. Nekesa describes the move as a dream opportunity to establish herself in European football.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 16 July

  1. Kenya's women's football needs sustainability, not just talent

    According to a Citizen Digital opinion piece, Kenya's women's football talent is evident from recent achievements—the Harambee Starlets qualified for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations and the Junior Starlets secured a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup appearance—but the focus should shift from celebrating qualification to building systems that develop, retain and reward elite players.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Harambee Starlets keeper eyes WAFCON as career opportunity

    Goalkeeper Annette Kundu of Kenya Police Bullets hopes the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will provide a platform to showcase her talent and unlock new career opportunities. She departs for a training camp in France as Kenya prepares for the tournament, which runs July 26 to August 16.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Harambee Starlets prepare for WAFCON in Morocco

    Kenya's women's national football team departed for a training camp in France on July 15 as final preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they return to the continental tournament for the first time in a decade. Captain Mwanahalima Adam said the team would repay the support from Kenyans, with the squad beginning Group A play against hosts Morocco on July 26.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Gov't releases 20m shillings for Harambee Starlets allowances

    The Ministry of Sports released Ksh 20 million to the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets after players protested unpaid allowances at FKF offices. The senior team is preparing for their second AWCON appearance in Morocco, facing Senegal, Algeria, and the hosts in a tournament running from July 25 to August 16.

    15 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Harambee Starlets depart for France pre-tournament training camp

    Kenya's women's football team left Wednesday for a week-long training camp in Miramas, France, to prepare for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Head coach Beldine Odemba said the squad is in good form and the French camp will help them acclimatize to conditions similar to those in Morocco.

    15 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Government releases Sh10 million to Harambee Starlets for WAFCON

    The government has disbursed Sh10 million to the Harambee Starlets national women's football team as they begin preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with officials pledging additional incentives if the team advances in the tournament.

    15 July 2026 · The Standard

  4. Junior Starlets qualify for 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup

    Kenya's Junior Starlets secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco with a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa. The qualification marks their second appearance in three years and demonstrates the growing strength of Kenyan women's football.

    15 July 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Kenya's women's football coach backs WAFCON 2028 hosting bid

    Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has urged President William Ruto to officially support Kenya's bid to host the 2028 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, citing the growth of Kenyan women's football as evidence the country is ready.

    14 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 13 July

  1. Junior Starlets qualify for FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup again

    Kenya's Junior Starlets secured their second consecutive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa. Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has called for sustained government and FKF investment in women's football preparation for the tournament in Morocco from October to November 2026, citing ongoing concerns over unpaid allowances.

    13 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Bandari FC appoints ex-Tusker coach Charles Okere

    Bandari FC have named former Tusker FC tactician Charles Okere as head coach, succeeding Bernard Mwalala. Okere was assistant coach at Tusker during their Football Kenya Premier League title wins in 2020/21 and 2023.

    13 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 10 July

  1. Dogo eager for WAFCON debut after missing 2016 tournament

    Harambee Starlets forward Mwanahalima Adam, who missed the 2016 WAFCON while sitting her KCSE exams, is looking forward to the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (25 July – 16 August 2026). Kenya qualified for the tournament after Dogo scored in a 1-0 win against Gambia in October 2025.

    10 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Starlets coach urges allowance payment before WAFCON

    Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has called on the government and football authorities to pay outstanding allowances to players ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, stating that the players have not received allowances for the previous two matches and that payment would boost their morale.

    7 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 6 July

  1. Kenyan striker Shikangwa joins Egyptian club FC Masar

    Harambee Starlets striker Jentrix Shikangwa has signed a two-year contract with Egyptian Women's Premier League side FC Masar after completing a move from Tanzanian club Simba Queens, where she spent four years. Shikangwa views the transfer as a platform to advance her career and compete at the highest level.

    6 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenyan striker Shikangwa joins Egyptian club FC Masar

    Harambee Starlets striker Jentrix Shikangwa has signed a two-year contract with Egyptian Women's Premier League side FC Masar after four years with Tanzanian champions Simba Queens, aiming to elevate her career at a leading African club.

    6 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Starlets striker Khaemba departs Bungoma Queens after three years

    Forward Catherine Khaemba has confirmed her exit from Bungoma Queens after her three-year contract expired in July. She says several clubs have expressed interest in signing her and she is carefully considering her next move, prioritizing better pay and working conditions.

    6 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Striker Catherine Khaemba exits Bungoma Queens after three years

    Forward Catherine Khaemba has confirmed her departure from Bungoma Queens following the expiration of her three-year contract. She said several clubs have expressed interest in signing her and she is taking time to decide her next move, prioritizing better pay and a supportive environment.

    6 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. Morocco has grit to lift World Cup, Wanyama says

    Former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama believes Morocco can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and said Kenya has the potential to qualify for the 2030 tournament through investment in facilities and player development via his foundation and academy.

    6 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 5 July

  1. Junior Starlets beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup qualifier

    Kenya's U-17 women's football team defeated South Africa 2-0 in the first leg of the final round of FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers in Pretoria, with midfielder Lindey Weey providing both assists. The team will play the return match next weekend in Kenya's capital.

    5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Junior Starlets beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup qualifier

    Kenya's Junior Starlets defeated South Africa's Bantwana 2-0 in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers' final round in Pretoria, with goals from Faith Boke assisted by Lindey Weey. The team faces a return match in Nairobi next weekend to complete qualification.

    5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Kenyan striker Shikangwa joins Egyptian club from Simba Queens

    Jentrix Shikangwa, a Harambee Starlets striker, has left Tanzania Women Premier League champions Simba Queens to sign a two-year contract with Egyptian Women's Premier League side FC Masar. Shikangwa scored 62 goals in four seasons with Simba, including 21 in the 2025-2026 season that helped them win the league title.

    30 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 25 June

  1. Kenya's Starlets target WAFCON semi-final for World Cup qualification

    Head coach Beldine Odemba has named a provisional 29-player squad for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, set for July 26 to August 16 in Morocco. The team's goal is a semi-final finish, which would secure Kenya's debut at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

    25 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 19 June

  1. Cecafa nullifies Kenya's 16-0 Junior Starlets victory over Sudan

    Cecafa has rejected the Football Kenya Federation's appeal and replaced Kenya's Junior Starlets' 16-0 win over Sudan in the CECAFA Under 17 Women's Championship with a 3-0 walkover after the match was abandoned when Sudan was reduced to six players due to injuries.

    19 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 12 June

  1. Harambee Starlets prepare for 2026 Wafcon group stage

    Kenya's women's football team drew 1–1 with Zambia before losing 4–1 on penalties and beat Lesotho 6–0 at the Four Nations Tournament, results that coach Beldine Odemba says highlight areas to improve before facing Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria in the continental tournament.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Starlets captain eyes WAFCON campaign after Lesotho victory

    Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam says the team's 6-0 win against Lesotho at the Four Nations tournament in Zambia is preparation for Kenya's Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco next month, with the focus on building tactical and mental strength rather than the scoreline.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Harambee Starlets finish third at Zambia four-nation tournament

    Kenya's Harambee Starlets secured third place at the Four-Nation Tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, defeating Lesotho 6-0 in the play-off. Coach Beldine Odemba said the team has gained valuable confidence ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Kenya Harambee Starlets beat Lesotho 6-0 for tournament bronze

    Kenya's Harambee Starlets defeated Lesotho 6-0 in the third-place play-off of the FIFA Four Nations Tournament at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia, securing the bronze medal after losing to hosts Zambia on penalties in their opening match.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Harambee Starlets face Lesotho in FIFA Four Nations third-place playoff

    Kenya's Harambee Starlets will play Lesotho on Tuesday in the third-place play-off of the FIFA Four Nations Tournament after losing to hosts Zambia 4-1 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw. Captain Mwanalima Adam expressed pride in the team's resilience and urged focus for a strong finish.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Harambee Starlets — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute