Harambee Starlets: CAF Millions Awaiting Kenya After WAFCON 2026 Qualification

Summary

• Kila player atapata 1 million as pledged by the president
• Watapata pia pesa from CAF around 16 million for participating

The Harambee Starlets have officially booked their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and fans are eager to know what financial rewards await Kenya from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Kenya achieved the milestone on Tuesday night after securing a 1-0 victory over The Gambia in the second leg of their qualifier held in Senegal. Coupled with their 3-1 win in Nairobi last week, the Starlets sealed a convincing 4-1 aggregate triumph, marking a remarkable return to the continental stage.

Under coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets will feature among the 12 nations competing in WAFCON 2026, exactly a decade since their debut and last appearance in the tournament. The qualification marks a new era for women’s football in Kenya, celebrated both by fans and the country’s leadership.

President William Ruto had earlier pledged Ksh1 million to each player and technical staff member for winning the second leg against The Gambia, adding a personal touch of motivation. Beyond the presidential bonus, CAF also offers substantial prize money to teams participating in the continental competition.

How Much Will Kenya Earn for Qualifying for WAFCON 2026?

CAF revised its WAFCON prize structure ahead of the 2024 edition held in Morocco. Champions received $1 million (approximately Ksh129 million), while runners-up were awarded $500,000 (around Ksh64.6 million). The third- and fourth-placed teams earned $350,000 (Ksh45 million) and $300,000 (Ksh38.7 million), respectively. Quarter-finalists took home $200,000 (Ksh25.8 million) each, while teams finishing third and fourth in their groups pocketed $150,000 (Ksh19 million) and $125,000 (Ksh16 million).

If CAF maintains the same prize structure for 2026, the Harambee Starlets are guaranteed at least Ksh16 million for their participation, with the potential to earn much more depending on their performance.

Unlike President Ruto’s direct incentive, CAF’s prize money is paid to member associations, in this case, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The federation is expected to use these funds to strengthen women’s football development in the country and may decide whether a portion will go directly to the players.