What Ruto Promised Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets Ahead of Major International Assignments
President William Ruto has pledged comprehensive medical insurance, improved housing opportunities and sustained financial support for the Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets as the two national women’s football teams prepare for major international competitions.
The commitments were made during a breakfast meeting at State House on Tuesday, where the President hosted the players and technical benches ahead of the Junior Starlets’ participation in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and the Harambee Starlets’ campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The meeting provided an opportunity for the players to share their concerns and aspirations, with team captains Beverlyne Awuor and Mwanalima Adam highlighting issues ranging from healthcare and living conditions to financial support as they prepare to represent Kenya on the international stage.
Addressing the players, President Ruto assured them that the government would stand firmly behind the teams, beginning with access to quality healthcare.
“You have asked for medical insurance, and I agree with you 100%. 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 as per Pulse Sports.
The assurance came after Junior Starlets captain Beverlyne Awuor raised concerns over the physical demands of elite football and the financial burden that injuries and specialised treatment can place on players. The President acknowledged the importance of protecting athletes’ health, saying access to comprehensive medical insurance was essential for those representing the country.
Housing Promise for Players
Beyond healthcare, President Ruto also addressed concerns raised by the players regarding their living conditions.
During the discussions, Beverlyne Awuor and Harambee Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam revealed that many members of the national teams come from Nairobi’s informal settlements, where inadequate housing, poor sanitation and limited access to basic services remain daily challenges.
The President said the government was determined to improve the living conditions of Kenyans through the Affordable Housing Programme, adding that the concerns raised by the players reflected the experiences of many young people across the country.
“You have also told me that most of you come from informal settlements, and we all understand the indignity of coming from informal settlements,” he said.
“There is no water, there are no toilets, and sometimes you have to pay to use the toilets, there are no proper roads, there is no proper connection to electricity and many other things. And that dehumanises human beings.”
President Ruto added that the government remained committed to eliminating slums through affordable housing initiatives.
“No Kenyan should live in those kinds of conditions, and we have rolled out the affordable housing. We want to get rid of the slums, and you have requested that; we shall do it,” he told the players.
The housing pledge formed part of a broader conversation on improving the welfare of national team players beyond their performances on the pitch, recognising that stable living conditions contribute to better preparation and overall well-being.
Government Assures Financial Backing
The President also committed to ensuring that financial challenges do not distract the teams as they prepare for their respective tournaments.
Drawing comparisons with the government’s support for Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign, he assured the women’s teams that they would receive similar backing.
During the CHAN tournament, the government pledged KSh1 million to every Harambee Stars player for each victory and promised a KSh600 million reward had the team gone on to win the competition.
Although Harambee Stars exited the tournament in the quarter-finals after losing to Madagascar in a penalty shootout, the government honoured its commitments, including rewarding the team following victories in the group stage.
President Ruto said the same level of commitment would be extended to the Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets.
“You have reminded me that how we walked with Harambee Stars, we will walk with you. We shall plan and see how we can walk together. I will be following,” he said.
The President further revealed that the government had already cleared the players’ allowances to allow them to focus entirely on preparations.
“I have been briefed that all allowances have been paid, about KSh33 million, and if there are any other pending issues, we shall make sure that everyone is taken care of,” he added.
The financial assurance is expected to boost morale within both camps as the teams intensify preparations for competitions that present an opportunity to further elevate Kenyan women’s football on the continental and global stage.
The Junior Starlets will be seeking another memorable outing at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup after making history with their qualification, while the Harambee Starlets will be aiming to make a strong impression at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
