Ministry of Sports defuses potential WAFCON embarrassment following meeting with Harambee Starlets

Harambee Starlets' preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) were briefly thrown into uncertainty after players, reportedly,staged protests at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Goal Project offices in Kasarani over unpaid allowances.

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The demonstrations erupted on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the team received an official send-off from President William Ruto at State House, where the Head of State assured the players that all financial matters had been addressed ahead of the tournament.

Videos circulating on social media showed a group of players singing, dancing, and chanting outside the federation's offices, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding dues.

"No money, no France. No money, no WAFCON," the players chanted, warning they would not travel for the planned training camp in France or participate in the tournament if the allowances were not paid.

The protests came as part of the squad had already departed for the final pre-tournament training camp in Miramas, France, where they are expected to fine-tune preparations before heading to Morocco for the continental showpiece.

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The players' action sharply contradicts assurances made by President Ruto during Tuesday's breakfast meeting at State House, where he announced that outstanding payments for various national teams had been cleared.

"I have been briefed by the PS that all the allowances have been paid, and we have made sure that whatever it is that is part of the government has been done because he tells me he has already paid out Ksh33 million," said President Ruto.

However, a source at the FKF confirmed the protests and indicated that the Ministry of Sports had not yet released the players' allowances.

"Yes, it is true, but the right place to get a comment is from the Ministry of Sports. They are yet to pay the players. Allowances are paid directly from the Ministry of Sports to the players and technical bench. Please speak to the Ministry of Sports to get their stand on the same," the source said.

However, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi swung into action and mer FKF officials and the players at Kandanda House. He is expected to address the press later in the evening.

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Starlets are scheduled to begin their WAFCON campaign against hosts Morocco on July 26 before facing Senegal and Algeria in their remaining Group A fixtures.