The Harambee Starlets’ disappointing run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has sparked debate over the team’s management, but the root causes of their struggles run deeper than coaching decisions.
Kenya suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco and a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal, effectively ending their chances of advancing beyond the group stage. These results, however, are not isolated to the tournament itself but stem from years of underinvestment and structural weaknesses in women’s football in Kenya.
Player Welfare and Preparation Shortcomings
- Delayed and uncertain payment of allowances has been a recurring issue, undermining player focus and morale.
- Despite holding a pre-tournament camp in France, the Starlets did not engage in any international friendlies, leaving players without critical match experience ahead of WAFCON.
Challenges in Domestic Women’s Football
- The Kenyan women’s football league remains underdeveloped, lacking financial resources, competitiveness, and professional standards seen in other African countries.
- Many players balance football with other commitments due to insufficient income from the sport, limiting their ability to train and compete at an elite level.
Calls to dismiss head coach Beldine Odemba fail to address these systemic issues. While coaching accountability is important, replacing the coach alone will not resolve problems rooted in the broader football infrastructure.
Kenya’s youth teams have demonstrated ample talent, signaling potential if supported by a robust development pathway and a competitive domestic league. The experience at WAFCON 2026 underscores the need for sustained investment in women’s football, prioritising player welfare, consistent international exposure, and professionalising the sport nationwide.
The Starlets’ performance in Morocco has revealed the consequences of long-standing neglect. Their defeat was not just on the pitch but the result of years of unmet needs and missed opportunities.
