The Ministry of Education (MoE) has intervened to secure the release of eleven schoolgirls selected to represent Kenya’s Junior Starlets in the upcoming CECAFA U-17 Girls Championship in Tanzania.
In a directive issued by the Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities, Nelson Sifuna, principals of Nyakach Girls, Butere Girls, Mudira Girls and Wiyeta Girls were ordered to release the students for national team duty ahead of the regional tournament scheduled for June 13–23 in Dar es Salaam.
The decision follows concerns that some of the schools had initially declined to release the players due to ongoing and crucial school games competitions, where most of the selected students play pivotal roles for their respective teams.
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According to the Ministry’s communication, the players are required to join the Kenya U-17 Women’s National Team (Junior Starlets) for the CECAFA championship and subsequent preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
“The Ministry has no objection to the release of the students from their respective schools to join the Kenya U-17 Women’s National Team,” the letter signed on behalf of the Principal Secretary stated.
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The selected players include representatives from football powerhouses Nyakach Girls, Butere Girls, Mudira Girls and Wiyeta Girls, institutions that have consistently produced top talent for the national teams.
The Ministry’s intervention has been welcomed by football stakeholders, who argue that national assignments should take precedence when young athletes are called upon to represent the country.
The release of the players is expected to strengthen the Junior Starlets as they seek regional glory at the CECAFA tournament and continue preparations for future international competitions.
With the standoff now resolved, all eyes will be on the Kenyan youngsters as they carry the nation’s hopes into East Africa’s premier girls’ football championship.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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