Harambee Starlets forward Mwanalima Adam Jereko has called on the government to support the women’s national team with the same commitment shown to their male counterparts.
Speaking on Friday in Nairobi during a training session at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (MISC), a visibly concerned Jereko lamented the poor state of women’s football in Kenya, saying male players receive preferential treatment compared to them.
“We saw what the government did for Harambee Stars during the CHAN tournament, and we have also seen how they are treated while in camp. That is how a national team is supposed to be treated,” said Jereko.
“We would also love to be treated the same way. We have qualified for an important tournament in Africa, so why can’t we also be treated the same?” she asked.
The 28-year-old currently plays for HB Køge in the Danish top-tier women’s football league and has been named in Beldine Odemba’s squad ahead of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
Kenya’s head coach, Beldine Odemba, has, however, distanced herself from financial issues regarding the payment of players’ allowances. She insisted that proper preparation will define Kenya’s campaign at WAFCON and has rolled out an intensive build-up programme that includes competitive friendlies and an overseas residential camp.
Despite the concerns surrounding the camp, the Starlets are set to travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Saturday, February 28, for two international friendlies.
Odemba’s side will face Benin on Monday, March 2, before taking on hosts Côte d’Ivoire two days later at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.
After the Abidjan assignment, the team will head to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp running until Sunday, March 15.
“This European camp is crucial in refining tactical systems, strengthening team chemistry, and solidifying combinations ahead of the tournament,” said Odemba.
Kenya will begin their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, March 17, before facing Senegal on Friday, March 20, and Algeria on Monday, March 23, in what promises to be a demanding opening phase at the continental showdown in Morocco.
