President William Ruto with Mango Enez, a Harambee Starlets player, during the flag-off ceremony for Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets at State House, Nairobi.
With just days to the start of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), Harambee Starlets striker Violet Nanjala believes Kenya has what it takes to secure a historic place at the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The 16th edition of the tournament, which was originally scheduled for March, will now take place from Sunday to August 16 in Morocco. This will make the North African nation the first to host the competition three times in a row.
“We are ready for the tournament, and our goal is to qualify for the World Cup. It is possible because we have addressed the issues we encountered previously, and I am confident that we are well prepared," said Nanjala.
The forward added, "The postponement of the tournament gave us more time to address our shortcomings and develop as a team. That has been a big advantage for us."
She is heading to Morocco in high spirits after sealing a move to Europe, having been signed by Maltese Women's Premier League side Hibernians FC from Saudi Arabian First Division club United Eagles Women FC.
Hibernians have described the Kenyan international as a prolific goalscorer, who is blessed with pace and versatility across the front line.
Nanjala,26, joined United Eagles last season, having spent three successful campaigns with the Moroccan top-flight side Municipal de Laayoune.
Harambee Starlets' striker Violet Nanjala tussles with a Moroccan opponent during their international friendly match at the Village Sportif de Tangier Stadium in Tangier, Morocco on June 7, 2025.
During her time in Morocco, she established herself as one of the league's deadliest forwards. She won the Golden Boot in her debut 2022/23 season, scoring 23 goals, and reclaimed the award in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 28 goals and providing 14 assists in 26 matches. She was also named the league's Best Foreign Player in 2022 and 2025.
Locally, Nanjala played for the National Women's Super League team Trans Nzoia Falcons, and subsequently for the four-time FKF Women's Premier League champions Vihiga Queens, during the inaugural Cecafa qualifiers for the CAF Women's Champions League in Nairobi.
She represented Vihiga Queens at the continental finals in Egypt, performances that boosted her profile and paved the way for overseas opportunities.
Commenting on her latest transfer, Nanjala said that it represents another significant milestone in her career.
“This is a huge opportunity for me to test myself in Europe. I believe in my abilities and know where I have come from. I am happy because I worked hard for this opportunity. I am confident that the move will be successful. Playing in one of Europe's top leagues has always been one of my ambitions. I know I must keep working hard," said Nanjala, a Manchester United fan.
Nanjala also believes that the growing number of Kenyan women playing professionally abroad reflects the steady growth of the local game.
“It is encouraging to see more Kenyan women footballers joining top clubs around the world. It shows that our women's league is growing and producing quality players.”
The 24-member Starlets squad is expected to travel from their training base in Miramas in France, to Morocco today, having completed a week-long training camp ahead of the tournament.
Harambee Starlets’ Tereza Obunyu leads teammates in celebrating her goal against India during Fifa Series International friendly match on April 1 at Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya has been drawn in a tough Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.
The Starlets will open their campaign against Morocco on Sunday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, and will then face Senegal on July 30 at the same venue. They will conclude their group matches against Algeria on August 3 at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Wafcon will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup, with automatic qualification going to the four semi-finalists . Two other teams will progress to the Fifa Women's World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.
- Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
- Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
- Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
- Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
Follow ourWhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
