Former Nairobi Governor rewards World Cup-bound Junior Starlets with hefty cash prize
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 12.07.26. | 21:23
Combined with Sonko's Ksh1 million pledge, the Junior Starlets walked away with a total of Ksh2 million in rewards following their qualification
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has fulfilled his promise to reward Kenya's Junior Starlets after their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, handing the team a cash reward of Ksh1 million following their victory over South Africa.
Sonko joined thousands of fans at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday as the Mildred Cheche-coached side completed a dominant 3-1 victory over South Africa, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate triumph to secure consecutive appearances at the global showpiece.
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Moments after the final whistle, the former Nairobi governor met the jubilant players and technical bench before officially presenting the reward he had pledged should the team qualify for the World Cup.
Confirming the gesture in a statement shared on his social media pages, Sonko congratulated the youngsters for making history and hailed the collective support that propelled them to qualification.
"Today, I joined fellow Kenyans in celebrating our victorious Kenya Under-17 girls after their historic qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup by awarding the team Ksh1 million.Congratulations, our heroines. You have made Kenya proud.
I also salute Sports CS Hon. Salim Mvurya, Sports PS Hon. Elijah Mwangi, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Governor Gladys Wanga, and all the leaders, senators, and Members of Parliament who stood with our girls in solidarity.
Moments like these remind us that Kenya comes first. We may differ politically, but our flag unites us all. Together, we raise our flag higher." he wrote
Sonko's contribution was part of a series of financial incentives showered on the team after the landmark achievement.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed rewarded the squad with Ksh500,000, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya added Ksh300,000, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga contributed Ksh200,000.
Combined with Sonko's Ksh1 million pledge, the Junior Starlets walked away with a total of Ksh2 million in rewards.
The bonuses came in recognition of an outstanding qualifying campaign that saw Kenya overpower South Africa across both legs to secure one of Africa's tickets to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
Cheche's charges have now written another remarkable chapter in Kenyan football history by qualifying for the tournament for a second successive edition, having become the country's first-ever team to feature at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup during their maiden appearance in 2024.