Head coach Mildred Cheche, speaking after the landmark feat, encapsulated the pride and promise of this achievement.
"This is a monumental moment for us," Cheche said. "The dedication and hard work of these girls has paid off. They have shown that Kenya has a future in women's football."
Kenya now joins the ranks of seasoned teams like Nigeria and Zambia, alongside global heavyweights such as Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, and USA.
This year's U17 Women's World Cup will be the last to feature 16 teams before expanding to 24 in the next edition.
The teams will be divided into four groups of four, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, a third-place match, and the final.
The Junior Starlets' qualification for the World Cup inspires young girls across the country to pursue their football dreams, proving that with hard work and dedication, they too can reach the world stage.
The composition of the Junior Starlets squad highlights the depth of talent in Kenya.
The Junior Starlets' squad is predominantly made up of school students. Players hail from schools such as Madira Girls, Kobala Secondary School, Wiyeta Secondary School, Shiraha Starlets, Nyakach Girls High School and Sunflower Junior High School.
Goalkeepers Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor, and Velma Auma have been stalwarts between the sticks, demonstrating agility and composure under pressure.
The defensive lineup, including talents like Elizebeth Ochaka and Claire Meris, has been rock-solid, neutralising opposition attacks with tactical awareness and physical prowess.
In midfield, players such as Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, and Halima Imbachi have controlled the tempo of the game with excellent ball control, vision, and distribution.
Up front, forwards Valerie Nekesa, Marion Serenge, and Quinter Adhiambo have been relentless in their pursuit of goals, showcasing speed, skill, and finishing ability.