Harambee Starlets are putting the finishing touches to their preparations in a high-performance training camp in France as they gear up for only their second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), 10 years after making their continental debut in 2016.
The team is using the elite training environment in France to sharpen tactics, improve fitness and build cohesion ahead of the tournament in Morocco, where Kenya will be hoping to make a lasting impression against some of Africa's top women's football nations.
According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed, France was deliberately selected because of its reputation as a global football powerhouse, offering world-class facilities and a professional environment that mirrors the standards the Starlets will encounter at the continental championship.
"The camp offers access to world-class training facilities, which is essential in sharpening the squad's readiness for continental competition," said Mohamed.
The federation reiterated its commitment to ensuring the national women's team is well prepared for the assignment.
"At FKF, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fully supporting all our national teams. Investing in structured training camps, efficient logistics, player welfare and technical resources is central to our strategy of enabling the Starlets to deliver optimal performances and strong results for Kenya," Mohamed added.
Kenya secured qualification for WAFCON after a decade-long absence and will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Senegal in the tournament scheduled for July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.
The Starlets open their campaign against Atlas Lionesses on July 26 before facing Senegal on July 30. They will wrap up their group stage matches against Algeria on August 3, with all three fixtures expected to determine their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The other pools see defending champions Nigeria drawn in Group C with Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, while Group B comprises South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.
Head coach Odemba has previously expressed confidence that Kenya can challenge for a place in the semi-finals, a feat that would also secure the country's first-ever qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
With a decade having passed since their maiden WAFCON appearance, the Starlets will be eager to prove they belong among Africa's elite and repay the federation's investment with a strong showing in Morocco.