Strategic pivot that could redefine Kenyan football

Harambee Starlets are currently at a high-performance training camp in Miramas, France, preparing for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria, with the Starlets set to open their campaign against Morocco on July 26 before facing Senegal on July 30 and Algeria on August 3.

The camp represents far more than tournament preparation. It reflects a changing approach to football administration in Kenya, one built on strategic partnerships, long-term planning and international collaboration.

Earlier this year, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed led a delegation to France to strengthen ties with key football institutions. The visit resulted in cooperation agreements with Olympique de Marseille and the City of Miramas, creating opportunities for technical exchange, player development and elite training for Kenyan football.

One of the first outcomes of those engagements is the Starlets' residential camp in Miramas, where the squad is training in a high-performance environment ahead of the continental showpiece. Access to world-class facilities, professional support systems and elite training conditions allows the players to prepare under standards comparable to those of leading football nations.

The significance of the camp extends beyond the national team. It demonstrates the value of football leadership that prioritises sustainable international partnerships over short-term tournament preparations. Such collaborations have the potential to strengthen players, coaches and the wider football ecosystem through knowledge sharing, technical development and institutional cooperation.

The initiative also reflects the growing collaboration between FKF and the Government of Kenya. Since taking office, Hussein Mohammed has worked closely with government agencies to improve infrastructure, player welfare and international engagement, creating opportunities that were previously difficult to realise.

This progress aligns with the strengthening relationship between Kenya and France, reinforced during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi led by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. While the summit focused on broader bilateral cooperation, it also created an environment where sports diplomacy and football partnerships can flourish.

As the Harambee Starlets prepare to compete against Morocco, Senegal and Algeria, their presence in France symbolises more than a quest for WAFCON success. It marks a wider transformation in Kenyan football, where purposeful leadership, global partnerships and strategic investment are laying the foundation for a more competitive and internationally connected future.