From dusty Nakuru slums to stardom, welcome to Rebecca Okwaro's new world

Kenya Police bullets strike Rebbeca Okwaro dibbles past Trinity Starlets goalkeeper during the FKF Women's Premier League at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, on May 25, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

When Rebecca Okwaro curled the ball past Trinity starlet’s goalkeeper in the 85th minute at Afraha Stadium sealing her brace and taking her tally to 16 goals for the season, the stadium erupted.

Not just because Kenya Police Bullets had secured a resounding 4-0 win to clinch the 2024/2025 FKF Women’s Premier League title, but because this goal, just like her journey, was a triumph of grit, grace and sheer willpower

“I am very a happy for being the top scorer, the support from the home fans here in Nakuru, which is my home, has been amazing. Their cheers gave me the strength to push harder every time I got the ball”, she said.

Okwaro was instrumental in all Bullets’ goals, with Emily Moranga’s 40th minute opener being her assist.

She nearly scored an hatrick after receiving a pass in midfield and making a brilliant run down the right wing in a counter-attack. The situation forced Trinity goalkeeper Agnes M’Mbone to rush out of her goal, but  Rebecca skillfully dribbled past her leaving the keeper on the turf.

She then fired a shot that deflected off defender Major Mercyline, resulting in an own goal in the 55th minute.

From the dusty fields of Kwa Rhonda slums in Nakuru to the glittering stage of Kenyan women football, Okwaro’s journey has been anything but easy.

Raised by her father after her mother passed away in 2003, Okwaro is the youngest among four siblings.

She started her footballing careering just as a passtime, playing a homemade nylon ball with her brothers.

“I used to just play for fun. I never imagined I would play professional football one day. We used to tie plastic bags tighter to make the ball,” she recalled.

Her older brother, Moses Okwaro, remembers  vividly how they used to play for fun.

“Our family is male-dominated. We used to play together, and I think that toughened her, sharpened her and we are proud of what she is becoming,” he said.

Okwaro’s career almost ended prematurely. A broken arm saw her released by Thika Queens, the club she had called home since 2015.

“That injury broke me. I was losing hope,” she recalls.

Moses said they kept encouraging her through her recovery process until she found her footing again.

“We are very happy she is the top scorer and her team are champions for the second consecutive season. Even when she was injured, we kept on pushing her,” he added.

Her resurgence came when Kenya Police FC acquired Thika United to form Kenya Police Bullets, as a way of meeting CAF licensing requirements. With Beldine Odemba, who is also the Harambee Starlets coach appointed to lead the team, a call was made that changed everything. Okwaro was back again in action.

“She is a natural finisher, all she needed was confidence and we gave her that,” said Odemba.

Okwaro returned that faith with her 16 goal-haul this season. Her consistency and knack for scoring goals especially in tight matches made her a nightmare for defenders and a delight to fans.

Julius Okwaro, Rebecca’s father,  who was among the jubilant crowd at the Nakuru stands, could not hide his joy.

“I am so proud of her. I used to discourage her from playing football. I told her to focus on her studies, but now I see this is her calling. I am planning to host a party for her. She deserves it,” he said.

Julius raised Rebecca and her siblings after the loss of their mother.

“She was in Standard Six when her mother died. I had no choice, but to step up. I want to tell parents that if your child has a talent, let them follow it. Support them. Football has taken Rebecca far and I believe it will take further,” he said.

The former Philadelphia Academy and Wiyeta Girls High School alumna has become a household name in Nakuru and Kenyan football, but she is not stopping here.

“We are heading to CAF. I do not think there is time to rest. CAF is not easy and we have to train harder. I want to help my team succeed on the continental stage,” she said.

Her dream does not end with club football. Moses believes that she is a type of player the national women football team Harambee Starlets is lacking.

“Rebecca should be in the Harambee Starlet’s squad. They are struggling with goal scoring and she is the answer,” he said.

While speculations swirls around a possible move to another club or even an overseas club owing to her success, Rebecca remains grounded.

“For now I am focused on my club. The future will take care of itself,” she said.

The Manchester United fan says she dedicated her victory to her father who has been instrumental in her growth.

“I dedicate this win to my father. He has taken care of us when our mother left us. I know my mother in heaven is happy and proud of me. May she continue resting in peace," she said.