Ruto urges nation to back Harambee Starlets ahead of WAFCON qualifier

When William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, appeared on a video call from State House on Friday, October 24, 2025, the nation’s mood shifted from routine to electric. The head of state addressed the Harambee Starlets – Kenya’s women’s national football team – urging every Kenyan to flood Nyayo National Stadium for their 4 p.m. WAFCON qualifier. The message, delivered in rapid‑fire Swahili, was as much a rallying cry as a political gesture, promising that a packed stadium could tilt the odds in Kenya’s favour.

President's Call and Its Symbolism

The video link was streamed on President Ruto’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts, showing the leader in the formal surroundings of State House on Uhuru Highway, Nairobi. Dressed in a navy suit, he punctuated his appeal with the phrase, “the whole of Kenya is standing with you,” a line that instantly resonated across radio talk‑shows and street vendors.

Ruto’s intervention carries weight not just because he is Kenya’s commander‑in‑chief, but also because the presidency has historically been a key patron of sport. Since taking office on September 13, 2022, he has launched several youth‑sports initiatives, and this call fits a pattern of using football as a unifying platform.

Match Details and Stakes

The call came just hours before the first leg of the two‑match tie that decides Kenya’s spot at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifierNyayo National Stadium. The stadium, with a CAF‑certified capacity of 15,000 for international fixtures, sits at coordinates -1.2833 S, 36.8167 E. A victory would send the Starlets to Morocco for the 2026 tournament – the first edition ever to feature 16 teams – and keep alive a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, where the top four WAFCON finishers earn automatic berths.

The opponent remains unnamed in official releases, but the stakes are clear: a cumulative win across the home and away legs secures Kenya’s first appearance in the expanded tournament since the team’s re‑emergence on the continental stage.

Kenya Women’s Football: Recent Progress

Under the aegis of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF), led by President Nick Mwendwa, the Starlets have enjoyed a modest revival. After a three‑year hiatus from competitive fixtures, they returned to the international scene in early 2025 with a series of friendlies that showcased a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned midfield control.

Funding, however, has long been a hurdle. The KFF’s budget for women’s programs increased by 45 % in the 2024–2025 cycle, thanks in part to government allocations prompted by Ruto’s earlier public support for the men’s Harambee Stars. The latest presidential call may translate into tangible ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and perhaps a boost in sponsorship interest from local firms eyeing the growing women's market.

Reactions from Fans, Officials, and Players

Social media lit up within minutes of the video. #Starlets2025 trended on Twitter, with fans posting pictures of homemade banners reading “Kenya stands with you like a pillar.” Nairobi’s bustling downtown cafés reported a surge in conversations about match day logistics, as commuters checked train schedules to Nyayo.

Coach Grace Wanjiru – the team’s first female head coach – praised the president’s timing, noting, “When the leader of our nation tells us they’re behind us, it lifts a weight off our shoulders.” Players, clad in their signature red kits, whispered among themselves that the call felt like a blessing before a high‑pressure test.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, offered measured comments. A spokesperson for the main opposition argued that while sport unites, “government resources should also address grassroots development, not just marquee events.” The balance of political rhetoric added a layer of intrigue to the pre‑match atmosphere.

Implications for WAFCON 2026 and World Cup Dream

If Kenya clinches the qualifier, they will join 15 other nations in Morocco, where the tournament’s format promises more matches and greater exposure. The top four teams will lock in spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a historic expansion that will raise the global profile of women’s football dramatically.

Analysts from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) noted that the new 16‑team structure reduces the margin for error – every group game matters. For Kenya, a successful run could translate into increased FIFA ranking points, better seeding for future qualifiers, and a stronger case for hosting regional tournaments.

Economically, a World Cup berth would attract sponsorships worth potentially millions of shillings, a lifeline for a federation still wrestling with limited infrastructure. Moreover, it would inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport, addressing the gender gap that persists across many African nations.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps

The second leg of the qualifier remains undecided, but KFF officials have hinted at a possible venue shift to Mombasa’s Nyali Stadium if the home crowd delivers a decisive advantage. In the meantime, the federation is rolling out a community outreach program, partnering with schools in Nairobi to distribute free tickets and organize pre‑match fan zones.

President Ruto’s call may be the spark, but sustained growth will depend on coordinated efforts between the government, KFF, corporate sponsors, and grassroots clubs. As the 4 p.m. whistle approaches, the nation watches – not just for a win, but for a moment that could reshape the future of Kenyan women’s football.

• Date of qualifier: October 24, 2025, 4 p.m. EAT
• Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi (capacity ≈ 15,000)
• President’s message: “Whole of Kenya stands with you, come shake up Nyayo Stadium”
• Stakes: Qualification for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco; potential World Cup berth for 2027
• Key supporters: President William Ruto, KFF President Nick Mwendwa, Coach Grace Wanjiru