The hosts took control from the outset and established a strong platform for the return leg. Paul Osama gave Kenya the lead in the second minute, capitalising on a defensive error to finish calmly.
Kenya doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Lawrence Okoth met a precise cross from Kevin Wangaya and finished confidently to make it 2-0 at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein. Wangaya added a third goal in the 51st minute with a clinical finish after a well-worked team move. Tanzania responded quickly, converting a penalty in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
Any hopes of a Tanzanian recovery were ended in the 75th minute when Kelly Madada restored the three-goal cushion, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box.
Kenya controlled large periods of the match and created numerous chances, while their defence remained solid after the visitors’ penalty. The result gives the Emerging Stars a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
The return fixture is scheduled for 6 October in Dar es Salaam. Kenya will look to protect their lead and secure qualification for the U23 AFCON finals, while Tanzania must produce a substantial turnaround on home soil if they are to keep their hopes alive.