Harambee Starlets jet off for France camp ahead of WAFCON

The national women's football team concluded its final training session at Kasarani Annex before departure, with the France camp expected to help the squad acclimatize to conditions similar to those in Morocco ahead of the continental showpiece.

Head coach Beldine Odemba expressed confidence in her squad after weeks of preparations, saying the camp had helped assess the players' readiness.

"We have had a very good camp with friendly matches to gauge the girls. I am happy they are in good form and have shown great determination. Only a few things remain, and we will polish them during our camp in Miramas," said Odemba.

She added that the French camp would provide ideal weather conditions similar to Rabat and Marrakech, where the tournament will be staged, giving the team valuable time to adapt before the competition begins.

Odemba also thanked President William Ruto for officially flagging off the team alongside the Junior Starlets, who recently qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

"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 said.

Captain Mwanahalima "Dogo" Jereko said the players are fully focused on making history.

"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," she said.

Kenya secured only their second-ever WAFCON appearance after edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate before defeating The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers, ending a decade-long absence from the continental finals.

The Starlets made their maiden appearance in 2016 under coach David Ouma but exited at the group stage after defeats to Ghana, Mali and eventual champions Nigeria. Despite the early exit, Esse Akida etched her name into history by scoring Kenya's first-ever WAFCON goal.