FKF commits to developing women’s football amid steady growth
By Joel Masibo, February 14, 2026Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed has committed to developing women’s football in the country amid signs of growth in regional and global competitions.
Speaking during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee Meeting in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on Friday, February 13, 2026, Mohammed said women’s football in Kenya is the next big thing in sports that needs to be taken seriously.
His sentiments come as the Kenya U-20 women’s team, the Rising Starlets, are in Tanzania in search of a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup that will be held later in the year in Poland.
Exploiting women’s football
”Women’s football is the next big thing; we have to take it seriously, as it is a huge space for us to start exploiting. There are a lot of opportunities in women’s football. There are a lot of sponsors who want to come on board and support women’s football, and as a federation, we are committed to making sure that we do not miss this chance,” the FKF boss noted.
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Rising Starlets will seek to capitalise on their vital 1-0 first-leg victory over Tanzania in the highly anticipated return leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie at Azam Sports Complex, with a ticket to Poland up for grabs. Hussein Mohammed also confirmed that his presence, apart from CAF duties, is to support the Rising Starlets against the hosts on Saturday.
Rallying for support
”We are here to support the girls and encourage them to give their best when they face our neighbours, Tanzania. We are very hopeful that they will do very well. We urge all Kenyans here in Dar Es Salaam to come and cheer our girls as they seek to qualify for the World Cup in Poland. On behalf of the federation, I’m glad to stand with our girls and give them our support. It is a big achievement for them already, but I know they can do more and better,” he added.
In their third-round opener at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Rising Starlets secured a 1-0 victory over Tanzania, courtesy of a late strike by Elizabeth Mideva in the 85th minute. The result gives Kenya a slim but meaningful edge heading into the decisive second leg.
The match exemplified both the Starlets’ resilience and tactical discipline. Kenya dominated possession and created multiple opportunities, but were forced to wait until the closing stages of the game to break the deadlock. The victory, though narrow, reflects a mature and measured approach from the young squad under pressure.
”For the technical bench, we would like to thank them for the good job they are doing, and we are going to give them the full support that they need.” He added.
The match will kick off at 4:00 pm local time. Should they advance, Kenya will edge closer to clinching a historic place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, a milestone that would underscore the progress of women’s football in the country.