Rongai All Stars Queens have secured their status as rising stars in Kenya’s women’s football landscape after clinching the highly coveted Tujiamini Initiative Gold Award in the just-concluded South Rift Region nominations and entries.

Determined to break down barriers in competitive community football, the club secured a KES 500,000 cash award that will go towards kitting the club, acquiring new equipment, and improving their playing ground in Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County.

“Most of our players come from underprivileged backgrounds. Training at the club not only helps them develop their athletic skills, but also equips them adequately to make positive decisions like resisting and staying away from social ills like teen pregnancy, early marriages, and drug abuse among others,” said head coach Daniel Kyalo.

Established in 2013, Rongai All Stars Queens has made significant strides in women’s football. They began their journey in the National Super League and have developed into a powerhouse that continues to produce exceptional talent on the national and international stages.

Notable among these talents is Rebecca Odato, who currently plays for the National Under-17 side, and who recently made headlines with the Rising Starlets at the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup. Additionally, founding player Rael Kamanda, who currently plays in the Kenya Women’s Premier League side, Zetech Sparks is another success story emerging from the club, showcasing the level of Talent and quality players being developed at the club.

“One of Tujiamini Initiatives’ goals is to uplift and provide equal opportunities for all Talent with a special focus on growing women’s participation in sport. Women’s football in Kenya holds rich untapped talent due to the lack of resources and exposure. Tujiamini seeks to bridge this gap while ensuring that excelling individuals receive the support they require to thrive and take their talents to the next level,” said Joseph Steventon – Head of Business Development, DBA Africa.

DBA Africa who have partnered with SportPesa in running the Tujiamini Initiative is a social enterprise dedicated to changing lives through sport with a to leverage the mental and physical benefits of sports to teach leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence to young people.

Rongai All Stars Queens’ head coach Kyalo, reiterated the importance of investing in Women’s football at the community level as one way of solidifying the talent pipeline that can feed into national and regional football leagues through constant competitions and appearance in various tournaments.

According to Kamanda who also won the Eastern and North Eastern Region Tujiamini Bronze award, winning the Tujiamini Gold Award is a big feat for the club that faces numerous challenges including playing resources and equipment among other stereotypes in the male-dominated sport.

“Initially, the Rongai All Stars Queens were a young team, facing apprehension from the community. It brings me immense joy to witness the team’s growth against all odds. I often played alongside the boys up until the ladies’ side was established. This experience provided me with valuable exposure, leading to my selection for the National Under-17 team in 2012 and eventually progressing to the premier league, where I continue to play,” said Kamanda.

In recent years, women’s football in Kenya has grown, driven by increased support and regular exposure through initiatives like Tujiamini. This momentum not only highlights the potential of female athletes but also reinforces the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women in sports.