The Harambee Starlets have gradually re-emerged on the world stage, with increased participation in major tournaments and a growing reputation built on tenacity, discipline, and steady progress.
Previously seen as inconsistent competitors in qualification campaigns, the Starlets are now establishing themselves as credible continental contenders.
How Far the Starlets Have Come
Women’s football in Kenya has long been underfunded, infrequently televised, and largely absent from mainstream sports conversation.
The FKF Women’s leagues, which serve as the backbone of the national team, have often struggled with inadequate scheduling, limited media coverage, and low sponsorship, forcing players to balance training with work, school, or family obligations. Talent has always existed, but the structures meant to support it have frequently failed to develop or protect it.
Despite these challenges, a gradual transition has been taking place. Increased competition in the FKF Women Premier League, improved talent identification at grassroots and regional levels, and greater exposure through continental qualifiers have helped raise the standard of the game.
The Harambee Starlets slow but steady improvement has moved them from the sidelines to a more central position in African women’s football.
The Rebuild Under Coach Beldine Odemba
The Harambee Starlets have shown clear improvement under coach Beldine Odemba’s leadership, demonstrating that they are becoming better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Since taking over, the coach has guided the team in a new direction, improving squad confidence and performance levels. In one interview, Odemba emphasized the importance of patience, especially among Kenyan supporters who often expect immediate results.
“I believe in the process, but most Kenyan football fans do not believe in processes. We always want something ready; we want to start today and win today. But everything is a process. When you start something, it takes time to grow slowly and steadily,” she said.
Guiding a team like the Harambee Starlets requires more than just a head coach, it also requires coordinated support from all Kenyan football institutions. If long-term success is to be achieved, the women’s national team must receive the same level of investment, structure, and belief as the men’s national team, Harambee Stars.
The FIFA Series 2026
After successfully qualifying for WAFCON 2026, the women’s team became one of the host nations for the FIFA Series in Kenya, gaining valuable exposure and preparation at the international level.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, scheduled from July 25 to August 16, provides another crucial opportunity for the squad to test itself against Africa’s strongest teams.
An Added Advantage
The top four teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while two more will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. This means that if the Starlets perform well, they still have a genuine chance of making history on the global stage.
What to Know About the FIFA Series
The FIFA Series provides FIFA Member Associations with more regular opportunities to face national teams from other continents, unlocking technical development opportunities previously unavailable to many teams.
The competition features the Harambee Starlets alongside Australia, India, and Malawi.
Over the weekend, fans were treated to matches between the Harambee Starlets and India, while Australia faced Malawi earlier that day.
The tournament will conclude on Wednesday, April 15, with the third-place playoff scheduled for 2:00 pm between India and Malawi, followed by the final at 6:00 pm to determine the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series champion, with the hosts facing Australia.
The FIFA Series provides a significant opportunity for continuous development and exposure to international competition. It gives the Harambee Starlets vital experience that will help them prepare for key competitions and improve their competitiveness on a worldwide scale.
