Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 34-player provisional squad ahead of the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced.
The Kenya women’s national football team will report to camp on Sunday, February 15, as build-up begins for the continental tournament scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026. The provisional camp is expected to shape the final squad that will represent the country at the championship.
Ten players who featured in the recently concluded local-based mini-camp have retained their places in the expanded squad. From Kenya Police Bullets, Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyabuto have earned call-ups. Kibera Soccer Women are represented by Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso, while Trinity Starlets contribute Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor. Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava also makes the list, alongside Euphraiser Shilwatso of Kayole Starlets.
The provisional squad further includes eight players drawn from the Kenya U20 Women’s National Team, the Rising Starlets, underlining the technical bench’s focus on continuity and youth development. Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their places from previous engagements, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Okeyo and Lornah Faith receive their first senior national team call-ups.
Their elevation signals a deliberate effort to create a clear pathway from youth to senior level, while strengthening competition for places across all departments.
“We are looking at the bigger picture. Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team,” said Coach Odemba.
The squad also sees the return of experienced players Jentrix Shikangwa and Lorna Nyarinda, who are back in the national team set-up ahead of the WAFCON preparations. Both players previously featured for the Starlets and are expected to add experience and leadership as competition for final squad selection intensifies.
There is also a maiden senior call-up for Trinity Starlets forward Eglay Mukhwana following consistent performances at club level, highlighting the technical bench’s openness to rewarding form.
The upcoming FIFA international window scheduled between February 24 and March 7 presents an opportunity for the team to fine-tune tactics and assess match readiness. FKF is exploring possible friendly matches during this period as part of the wider preparations.
As the Harambee Starlets prepare to return to the continental stage ten years after their debut appearance in 2016, focus remains on structured preparation, unity within the camp and building a competitive squad capable of challenging Africa’s best.
The provisional squad includes goalkeepers Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo and Juliet Adhiambo.
Defenders are Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Mercyline Mejor, Mary Majeso, Euphraiser Shilwatso, Diana Shakava and Elizabeth Muteshi.
Midfielders include Lydia Akoth, Vidah Okeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Medina Abubakar, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Lornah Faith, Mwanalima Adam and Shaline Nambengele.
Forwards are Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shirleen Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Elizabeth Mideva, Eglay Mukhwana and Purity Akinyi.
By Anita Omwenga
