Kenya is preparing to host the first-ever FIFA Women’s Series, with four national teams set to compete in a tournament scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 11 to 15 April 2026.
The competition will be held at Nyayo National Stadium and will feature the host nation’s Harambee Starlets alongside Australia, India and Malawi. The event marks a significant moment for women’s football in Kenya, offering both competitive action and broader development opportunities for the sport in the country.
The tournament will begin on Saturday, 11 April, with two matches scheduled at the Nairobi venue. Australia will face Malawi in the opening fixture at 14:00 local time, before Kenya takes on India at 18:00 in what is expected to be the headline match of the day.
The final matches of the tournament will be played on Wednesday, 15 April. A third-place play-off will take place at 14:00, followed by the final at 18:00, where the inaugural champions of the FIFA Women’s Series will be crowned.
Beyond the matches themselves, the event is being viewed as an important step in strengthening Kenya’s football structures. Organisers say hosting the tournament will contribute to the development of key areas such as event management, operational planning and match officiating. It is also expected to provide local organisers with valuable experience in staging international competitions, helping align standards with global expectations.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed welcomed the opportunity, highlighting both the sporting and organisational benefits for the country.
“Hosting this tournament is a big step for Kenya’s football. It not only gives our national team valuable international exposure but also strengthens our capacity to organise and deliver competitions at the highest level. We thank the Government for their support and collaboration in making this possible.”
Government officials have also emphasised the wider significance of the tournament. Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya said the event reflects Kenya’s growing role in international sport.
“Being able to host a tournament of this nature reflects the progress Kenya is making in sports development. It shows that we are moving in the right direction and strengthening our place on the global map. We appreciate the Federation’s alignment with the broader vision of growing sports in the country.”
For the Harambee Starlets, the tournament represents an important opportunity to test themselves against varied international opposition. Facing teams from different regions is expected to provide valuable experience and contribute to the squad’s development on the global stage.
The FIFA Women’s Series is anticipated not only to deliver competitive football but also to leave a lasting impact on Kenya’s sporting landscape, as the country continues to invest in the growth of the women’s game.
