- Esse Akida joins Kibera Soccer Women after being out of action for more than a year.
- The Harambee Starlets foward has been unattached since parting ways with Greek champions PAOK in July 2024.
- She joins Kibera Soccer Women FC on a nine-month deal.
Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida has officially joined FKF Women Premier League side Kibera Soccer Women FC on a nine-month deal.
The experienced attacker signs as a free agent, marking her return to competitive football after being out of action for more than a year.
The former Besiktas and AC PAOK forward has been unattached since parting ways with the Greek champions in July 2024, where she lifted multiple trophies during her three-year spell.
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Her time away from the pitch, however, was not by choice as she devoted the period to caring for her ailing father.
In a heartfelt message shared on her social media platforms, Akida opened up about the difficult balance between her family responsibilities and football career.
“My dream has always been to play football until I cannot play no more. After a tough period juggling between the health of my old man and my career, I feel I am in a good mental space to continue again,” she posted.
Akida’s move to Kibera Soccer Women also reunites her with Coach George Robert Okallo, who previously mentored her during her early football days at the National Youth Talent Academy. The veteran forward expressed her excitement about the reunion and her return to the Kenyan top flight.
Esse Akida joins Kibera Soccer Women
“I am really happy to join Kibera Soccer Women FC and to be back playing in the Kenya Women’s Premier League. This is a space I want to be in contributing to football in this country.
This is more special because I am reuniting with Coach George Robert Okallo, someone who has played a big role in my football journey and truly understands my game,” Akida noted.
Akida, one of Kenya’s most celebrated female footballers, is eager to use her experience to guide and motivate the next generation of players.
“I am excited about what this team is building and the ambition the club has. I believe we can achieve great things together. For me, this is also a chance to inspire young girls who dream of playing football and making a career out of it,” she said.
Her return adds significant experience and attacking depth to Kibera Soccer Women as they aim for a strong showing in the current FKF Women Premier League campaign.
Esse Akida playing journey
Before her overseas stints, Akida starred locally featuring for sides such as Spedag, KeMU Women’s Team and National Youth Talent Academy before moving abroad to play for Hamat Hasharon in Israel, Besiktas in Turkey and later AC PAOK in Greece.
Her comeback not only strengthens Kibera Soccer Women’s front line but also signals a major boost for the Harambee Starlets who continue to prepare for upcoming international assignments.