The Harambee Starlets have secured a Ksh1.5 million cash reward following their dominant victory over the India Women’s National Football Team. In a statement released on Sunday, April 12, the team thanked their supporters for the financial windfall, noting that the gesture significantly boosts morale and recognizes their hard work on the pitch.
The total reward includes Ksh1 million from Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, with the Football Kenya Federation contributing an additional Ksh500,000.
“A heartfelt thank you to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya EGH, for the Ksh1 million reward. We also appreciate the Football Kenya Federation for the additional Ksh500,000 in support of the team. Your support means everything to the team,” the statement read.
The cash reward follows a commanding 2-0 victory by Kenya over India at the Nyayo National Stadium. Under the tactical guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets took control of the match from the opening whistle, asserting their dominance early on.
Kenya made an immediate impact just two minutes into the game when Martha Amunyolete pounced on a loose ball following a corner, firing home to give the hosts an early lead. The Starlets continued to dictate play, using Vivian Nasaka and Fasila Adhiambo to stretch the Indian defense from the flanks.
While Sharline Opisa nearly added a second before the break, the Indian goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep the deficit at one. Throughout the contest, captain Mwanalima Adam anchored the midfield, managing the tempo and ensuring Kenya remained in full authority.
The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when Tereza Engesha broke through the defense. She remained composed under pressure, calmly slotting the ball into the net to double the lead and secure the win. This victory propels the Starlets into the final of the FIFA Women’s Series, where they are scheduled to face Australia on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
This recent victory follows a major windfall for the team just months ago, when every Harambee Starlets player received a Ksh1 million reward for defeating Gambia during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. On October 30, 2025, Dennis Itumbi confirmed that the government had fully settled the financial pledges made by President William Ruto to both the players and the technical bench.
“President William Ruto has played his part! The Harambee Starlets’ pledge has been fully settled; Ksh5 million was paid during their State House visit, another Ksh5 million after Kenya’s home win, each of the 23 players received Ksh1 million, and each official pocketed Ksh500,000. Total package, Ksh35 million delivered,” he stated.
The Starlets booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament after a decisive 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia.
