Kenya’s women’s national football teams received a significant morale boost on Tuesday after President William Ruto unveiled a raft of welfare measures during a breakfast meeting with the Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets at State House, Nairobi, ahead of their upcoming international assignments.

The Head of State hosted both teams and their technical benches as they prepare for two of the biggest tournaments in women’s football, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The meeting gave players an opportunity to openly discuss the challenges they face on and off the pitch, with Junior Starlets captain Beverlyne Awuor and Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam raising concerns about healthcare, housing and financial support.

Responding to the issues raised, President Ruto pledged comprehensive medical insurance for the players, saying the government would ensure they receive quality healthcare whenever they need it.

“You have asked for medical insurance, and I agree with you 100 per cent. From now on, we shall make sure that you have medical insurance that will cover everything, including the surgery you talked about,” President Ruto said.

The commitment followed concerns from Beverlyne Awuor, who highlighted the physical demands of elite football and the financial burden players face when injuries require specialized treatment. The President acknowledged that athletes representing Kenya deserve adequate medical protection and assured the teams that comprehensive cover, including surgery where necessary, would be provided.

Beyond healthcare, the discussion focused on the living conditions of many national team players. Beverlyne and Mwanalima revealed that a significant number of players come from Nairobi’s informal settlements, where poor sanitation, inadequate housing and limited access to essential services remain daily challenges.

President Ruto said the concerns mirrored the realities facing many young Kenyans and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving living standards through the Affordable Housing Programme.

He noted that decent housing is a basic right and pledged that the government would continue implementing programmes aimed at replacing informal settlements with better living environments, adding that improved welfare away from football contributes to better performances on the pitch.

“No Kenyan should live in those kinds of conditions, and we have rolled out the affordable housing programme. We want to get rid of the slums, and you have requested that; we shall do it,” he assured the players.

Financial support also featured prominently during the discussions. President Ruto assured the two teams that they would receive the same level of government backing that Harambee Stars enjoyed during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

During CHAN, the government rewarded Harambee Stars players with Ksh.1 million for every victory and honoured those commitments despite the team’s quarter-final exit to Madagascar on penalties.

The President said the government would similarly stand with the Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets throughout their campaigns, promising continued support as they represent the country.

He also disclosed that approximately Ksh.33 million in players’ allowances had already been paid, adding that any remaining outstanding payments would be settled to allow the teams to focus entirely on their preparations.

Addressing the Junior Starlets ahead of their departure to Morocco, President Ruto congratulated the young players for earning the opportunity to compete on the world stage.

“There is no greater honour for any sportsman or sportswoman than representing your motherland before the world. Congratulations, the people of Kenya are proud of you,” the President said.

He urged the team to embrace the responsibility of carrying the nation’s hopes, telling them that as they travel to Morocco, they carry the pride and expectations of every Kenyan, while wishing them success in their historic campaign.

The Harambee Starlets will begin their 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco, with the tournament scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Junior Starlets will represent Kenya at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, which will be held from October 17 to November 7, 2026, marking the country’s second consecutive appearance at the global tournament.

With renewed government commitments on healthcare, housing and financial support, both teams head into their respective tournaments with fresh confidence and the assurance of stronger backing as they seek success on the continental and global stage.