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Ruto lauds Junior Starlets for U17 World Cup qualification
13th July, 2026 08:00 AM
President William Ruto led the outpouring of congratulatory messages after Kenya’s U-17 girls’ team, the Junior Starlets, rewrote football history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a historic consecutive qualification for the tournament.
The proud occasion saw football fans from across the country, politicians, and football stakeholders convene to express their gratitude for the milestone achieved by the young prospects.
The Junior Starlets secured their place at the World Cup after defeating South Africa 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory to cement the continued rise of young female talent on the international stage.
It is now the second time a Kenyan junior team will appear on the global stage, following the same squad’s historic appearance in the 2024 edition of the competition in the Dominican Republic.
Among those who celebrated the feat were the President, Interior CS Onesmus Murkomen, and women’s representatives Esther Passaris and Fatuma Mohammed.
In a direct phone call to the team after the game, Ruto expressed his pride in their performance. He later sent out a message describing the team’s triumph as a defining moment for Kenyan football and a powerful reminder of what the nation can achieve with unity and focus.
“We are immensely proud of our Junior Starlets for their historic qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Their outstanding victory over South Africa is a defining moment for Kenyan football,” the president said.
Interior CS Murkomen also shared his excitement online: “Congratulations to our Junior Starlets on beating South Africa 3-1 to secure a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup! We could not be prouder of your achievement.”
Remarkable Starlets
Nairobi politicians were also present at Nyayo Stadium and joined in congratulating the girls for their new feat. A political delegation accompanied Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Hussein Mohammed on a courtesy visit after the game, with women representatives Fatuma Mohammed (Migori) and Esther Passaris among those present.
“What a remarkable performance by our Junior Starlets! Kenya defeated South Africa 3-1 to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco this October. Congratulations, girls! You have made the entire nation proud. Go and fly the Kenyan flag high on the world stage!” Passaris shared.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu also added her praise: “Our Junior Starlets did that thing again today! A 3-1 victory over South Africa and another ticket to the world stage. This team continues to show what Kenyan talent, discipline, and belief can achieve. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and everyone behind these girls. See you at the global championship, Starlets. You’ve put Kenya on the map yet again.”
Kenya now awaits the start of the tournament in Morocco this October, where they will pit their wits against the world’s best.
The 10th edition of the Women’s World Cup will kick off between October 17, 2026, and November 7, 2026.
