Kenya has secured a major milestone in its sporting journey after being selected to host the upcoming FIFA Women’s Series matches, marking the country’s first-ever global football event under the world governing body, FIFA.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, described the development as a significant endorsement of Kenya’s growing reputation in international sports hosting.
“This is a momentous occasion for our country. It reflects Kenya’s credibility, readiness and influence on the global sporting stage,” stated Mvurya.
Notably, the FIFA Women’s Series matches are scheduled to take place from April 11th to 15th 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium, with Kenya set to face India, Australia and Malawi.
Further, the tournament is expected to provide a platform to showcase emerging talent while elevating the profile of women’s football across the region.
Mvurya noted that Kenya’s selection was anchored on its proven ability to successfully host international sporting events, citing recent tournaments such as the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally and other continental competitions.
“Kenya has demonstrated consistency in hosting world-class events that not only showcase our talent but also position the country as a preferred global sports destination,” he reiterated.
Equally, the CS called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support the national team, urging citizens to use the opportunity to demonstrate unity and national pride.
“Let us fill Nyayo Stadium and showcase our passion, hospitality and love for the game as we welcome the world,” he added.
At the same time, Mvurya confirmed that the men’s national team, Harambee Stars, has departed for international friendly matches, where they will face Estonia before taking on either Rwanda or Grenada in subsequent fixtures.
He stressed that the matches will offer valuable exposure and help strengthen the team’s competitiveness ahead of future assignments.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary (PS) for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, underscored the importance of collaboration between government, federations and the private sector in advancing sports development in the country.
He commended the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for improved stakeholder engagement, noting that recent forums have shifted focus from isolated discussions to building sustainable partnerships.
Mwangi observed that the government remains the main sponsor across more than 113 sports federations, and emphasized the need to bring in more private sector players to support commercialization efforts.
Additionally, he also highlighted the importance of exposing Kenyan teams to international competitions, noting that both men’s and women’s teams are being supported to participate in global fixtures to enhance experience and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, beyond the immediate fixtures, the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the sports sector through policy, infrastructure development, and enhanced partnerships with the private sector.
Mvurya revealed that the government is finalising the Sports Bill 2026, which seeks to streamline sports management, promote commercialization, and improve facility utilization across the country.
“We are not just focusing on the field of play. We are building a comprehensive framework that supports sports as a driver of economic growth, including sports tourism and youth empowerment,” he explained.
Similarly, the CS added that ongoing investments in infrastructure, including Talanta City Stadium and upgrades at Kasarani, are part of a broader strategy to position Kenya as a regional sports hub.
CS Mvurya also addressed concerns surrounding Kenya’s preparedness to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, assuring stakeholders that the country will meet all financial and infrastructural obligations.
“I want to assure all Kenyans and our international partners that Kenya is ready. We will meet our obligations and deliver a successful tournament,” he affirmed.
Mvurya further emphasized the need for accountability among sports federations, warning against mismanagement and internal wrangles that undermine athletes’ welfare.
“If you are entrusted with leadership in any federation, you must take responsibility. There is no room for mismanagement or failure to account for public resources,” cautioned the CS.
On his part, FKF President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in Kenya’s readiness to host major tournaments, including AFCON.
“Kenya is more than ready. We will host one of the best, if not the best, sporting events in the world,” he reaffirmed.
Hussein noted that AFCON has grown into a global spectacle, attracting over 1.5 billion television viewers and more than 2.5 billion digital streams, presenting significant opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
In the meantime, as Kenya prepares to host the FIFA Women’s Series, stakeholders expressed optimism that the event will not only boost the country’s international profile but also inspire a new generation of athletes.
By Naif Rashid
