Esse Akida/ HANDOUT Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida has ended her comeback spell at Kibera Soccer Women after nine months, closing a chapter that helped revive her career after more than a year away from competitive football.
Akida joined the FKF Women’s Premier League side in October 2025 on a nine-month deal after leaving Greek champions PAOK as a free agent in 2024.
Her return proved significant as she helped Kibera achieve their best-ever WPL finish, with the Nairobi side ending the 2025/26 season third on 34 points.
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Akida also found the net, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Gideon Starlets in March.
By January, she had been handed the captaincy as Kibera mounted a strong challenge near the top of the table.
The club won 10 of their 20 matches, drew four and lost six, scoring 28 goals and conceding 23. They finished ahead of Trinity Starlets on goal difference.
Akida confirmed her departure on social media, thanking her teammates, technical staff, management and supporters for their support during her stay.
“My time at Kibera Soccer Women FC has come to an end, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude,” she wrote.
She singled out coach George Okallo for his guidance, belief and support, and for giving her the opportunity to play for Kibera.
Akida’s return to Kibera provided the experienced forward with regular football after stepping away from the game for personal reasons. It also kept her within the wider Harambee Starlets picture.
Her departure leaves Kibera with the task of replacing one of their most experienced players as they prepare for the 2026/27 WPL season.
The next challenge will be finding a new club as she continues the next phase of her comeback.
