Kenya’s national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, will begin their journey to the 2028 Summer Olympics in the second round of the African qualifiers after receiving a first-round bye in the draw held in Cairo.

The favorable draw means the Starlets will skip the opening round and directly enter the second round, where they are set to face Seychelles in October.

Kenya’s Road to the Olympics

Should Harambee Starlets successfully overcome Seychelles, they will progress to the third round scheduled to take place between February 23 and March 6, 2027.

In the third round, Kenya would face either Malawi or Zimbabwe, depending on the outcome of their clash.

The fourth round, set for October 4 to October 12, 2027, will feature winners from the third round taking on opponents from parallel fixtures across the continent.

The final hurdle will come in the fifth and last round, scheduled between November 23 and December 4, 2027, where the remaining teams will battle for qualification spots.

Only Two Olympic Slots Available

A total of 35 African nations will participate in the qualification campaign, making the road to the Olympics highly competitive.

Only two teams from Africa will secure qualification to represent the continent at the women’s football tournament of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

This means every round will be crucial for Harambee Starlets as they seek to make history by booking a place at the global showpiece.

Olympic Games Set for 2028

The women’s football tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held from July 11 to July 29, 2028.

The tournament will bring together the best national teams from across the world, with Africa only guaranteed two spots.

For Harambee Starlets, the mission is now clear—overcome Seychelles first, stay focused through the tough qualification path, and fight for a place on the Olympic stage.

Kenyan football fans will be hoping the team can rise to the challenge and deliver a historic qualification campaign.