Mr. President, we are also your children, motivate us: Malkia Strikers cry ahead of World Championships

In sharp contrast, Harambee Stars —the national football team—have enjoyed hefty incentives during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.

President Ruto has rewarded each player up to KSh 5 million and pledged KSh 600 million should they win the tournament, a package hailed as massive motivation but one that highlights the disparity in support for national teams.

“Mr. President, we are also your children; motivate us,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Pamela Adhiambo, who narrated the struggles the team has faced in the build-up to the global showpiece.

The ten-time African champions began their training camp with 29 players, who received allowances for the first three weeks of non-residential training.

The squad was later trimmed to 20, but residential training failed to kick off as scheduled after Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Deputy President Paul Bitok informed the players that there were no funds available for residential training.

“Instead, we were forced to continue for another week in non-residential training despite the calendar having been released last year. We thought preparations were in place,” Adhiambo explained.

It was only when the squad was cut down to 16 that residential training commenced, largely funded by affiliate sponsors.

Even then, players say they were met with repeated postponements whenever they raised concerns about allowances and logistics.

“Every time we asked for something, we were told, ‘Tomorrow.’ We kept waiting for this tomorrow that never came,” said Adhiambo, flanked by her teammates.

The team also revealed that they departed for Thailand without official training kits or playing jerseys from the Federation, raising questions about the use of funds from sponsors.

Despite the setbacks, the players vowed to give their best on court when they face Germany, insisting they are determined to fly the Kenyan flag high.

“We are tired of fake promises. We have been struggling, but we will still play against Germany,” Adhiambo added.

Adhiambo says that despite meeting with Sports CS Salim Mvurya before they departed, the federation stopped them from airing their grievances, saying that everything had been sorted.