Harambee Starlets shifted their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) into high gear after departing for a week-long training camp in Miramas, France.
The national women’s team left the country on Wednesday, July 15 after concluding their final training session at the Kasarani Annex, bringing an end to weeks of local preparations that included a series of friendly matches used to assess the squad’s readiness.
The overseas camp is expected to play a crucial role in Kenya’s final build-up, offering the squad an opportunity to adapt to weather conditions similar to those in Rabat and Marrakech while fine-tuning tactics, improving match sharpness and strengthening team cohesion ahead of their continental showpiece.
Head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, saying the players had responded positively throughout the training programme.The coach believes the French training camp will provide ideal conditions for the team to make the final adjustments before the tournament begins.
Odemba also welcomed the morale boost provided by President William Ruto, who officially flagged off both Harambee Starlets and the Junior Starlets ahead of their respective international assignments.
“We are very happy to receive a send-off from the president. It motivates us and also challenges us to perform well because he wants to see us reach the latter stages of the tournament,” she added.
Captain Mwanahalima “Dogo” Jereko echoed her coach’s optimism, saying the players are determined to make history during Kenya’s second appearance at the continental finals.
“The preparations have been intense, and we thank our coaches for guiding us well. I missed the 2016 WAFCON because I was sitting my national examinations, but this opportunity has come again. I am focused on leading the team and helping us achieve success,” said the experienced midfielder.
Kenya booked their place at WAFCON after an impressive qualifying campaign, edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate before comfortably overcoming The Gambia 4-1 over two legs to secure only their second appearance at Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
The Starlets’ maiden appearance came in 2016 under former coach David Ouma. Although they exited at the group stage after defeats to Ghana, Mali and eventual champions Nigeria, the tournament produced a historic milestone when Esse Akida scored Kenya’s first-ever goal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya will launch their 2026 WAFCON campaign against hosts Morocco on July 26 before taking on Senegal on July 30 and Algeria on August 3 in the remaining Group A fixtures.
The training camp in France could be one of the most significant for Kenya as the Starlets prepare to make history on the continent with Odemba declaring her intention to contest for a spot in the semi-finals and thus qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
