The expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams marks a pivotal moment for the Harambee Starlets and women’s football in Kenya. The decision opens the door for more nations to participate at the continental level, significantly improving Kenya’s prospects of regular qualification and exposure to top-tier competition.
Kenya’s women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, is currently in the final round of qualifiers against Gambia for a place in next year’s WAFCON. Having only appeared once in the tournament back in 2016 the team’s journey has been marked by flashes of promise and long stretches of limited opportunity. With the new 16-team structure set to begin in 2026, that could finally change.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been deliberate in growing the women’s game, both in participation and investment. Since its inception in 1998, WAFCON featured only eight teams until 2018, before being expanded to 12 in 2022. The upcoming move to 16 teams is another progressive step that mirrors global trends seen in tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For Kenya, the timing could not be better. The Starlets have shown steady progress in recent years, supported by a younger generation of players and improved domestic structures. The expanded format will not only ease qualification but also provide more opportunities for teams outside the traditional powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon to compete at the highest level.
CAF’s commitment to growing women’s football is evident in its financial reforms. The prize money for the 2024 WAFCON increased by 45% to $3.45 million, a move that underscores the organization’s intent to make women’s football both competitive and sustainable.
For Kenya, consistent participation in WAFCON will mean more than continental recognition — it represents a chance to build a long-term football culture that inspires the next generation of girls. The experience gained from playing regularly against stronger teams will help bridge the competitive gap and foster professional growth for local players.
Even if the Harambee Starlets fall short in the current qualifiers, the future is undeniably bright. With the 2026 WAFCON expansion, Kenya has a realistic pathway to become a regular presence on Africa’s biggest stage for women’s football.
