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Sunday, 27 September 2026
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Sunday, 27 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Harambee Stars

Also known as: Kenya national football team · our very own Harambee Stars · Harambee Stars camp

Kenya's national football team, competing in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers amid administrative challenges and player welfare disputes.

2026-04-272026-09-27

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. The Standard

    Allan Thigo, former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars player who died on May 9 in Bungoma, was cremated in Kisumu on May 13. …

    Allan Thigo was not only a good player but a great leader
  3. The Standard

    The last two days have offered Harambee Stars fans a glimpse into the future as coach Benni McCarthy unveiled a youthful squad for next month’s international friendlies before Kenya discovered the teams they will face in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. …

    It's fresh faces and familiar rivals as Stars prepare for 2027 Afcon
  4. Citizen Digital

    Muhiddin blames military duties for Ulinzi Stars woes in KPL By Magdaline Thuku May 20, 2026 05:16 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Bandari FC coach Twahir Muhiddin during their FKF Premier League match at K …

    Muhiddin blames military duties for Ulinzi Stars woes in KPL
  5. Citizen Digital

    Why Kenya must still play AFCON 2027 qualifiers despite automatic qualification as hosts By Churchill Juma May 19, 2026 06:00 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy during a pre …

    Why Kenya must still play AFCON 2027 qualifiers despite automatic qualification as hosts
  6. Citizen Digital

    Kenya placed in Group D of 2027 AFCON qualifiers By Jackson Kilonzi May 19, 2026 05:47 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Harambee Stars utility player Manzur Okwaro (C), in action against Morooco during their …

    Kenya placed in Group D of 2027 AFCON qualifiers
  7. The Standard

    … Kenya national football team is placed in a challenging Group D alongside South Africa national football team, Guinea national football team and Eritrea national football team. …

    McCarthy faces emotional South Africa reunion
  8. Citizen Digital

    … The golden month started with a slim 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars who are also fighting for survival, followed by a dominant 3-0 win against his former side Posta Rangers and closed in style by edging out the already-relegated Sofapaka with a hard-fought 1-0 win collecting 15 poi …

    Survival specialist— Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s expert hand steers APS Bomet out of relegation
  9. Citizen Digital

    … The golden month started with a slim 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars who are also fighting for survival, followed by a dominant 3-0 win against his former side Posta Rangers and closed in style by edging out the already-relegated Sofapaka with a hard-fought 1-0 win collecting 15 poi …

    Survival specialist— Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s expert hand steering APS Bomet out of relegation
  10. Citizen Digital

    Harambee Stars, Gor legend Allan Thigo cremated in Kisumu By Allan Obiero May 13, 2026 07:49 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Former Harambee Stars midfielder and Gor Mahia legend Allan Thi …

    Harambee Stars, Gor legend Allan Thigo cremated in Kisumu
  11. Citizen Digital

    … The former Harambee Stars midfielder further claims that the arrangement sidelined him, as well as Finance chair Luthers Mokua from monitoring transactions, including the controversial KES 42.7 million payment to Riskwell Insurance Brokers Ltd. …

    Inside Mariga’s affidavit & what it says about CHAN scandal

Yesterday

  1. Harambee Stars draw 1-1 with Eritrea in AFCON qualifier

    Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium in the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Eritrea took the lead before half-time through Nahom Girmai after a defensive error, but Kenya fought back with a late equalizer.

    15 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenya's Harambee Stars face Eritrea in Afcon 2027 qualifier

    Kenya will face Eritrea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Nyayo Stadium, aiming to build momentum ahead of the tournament they will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Preparations have been disrupted by players declining to train over unpaid allowances, with only one collective training session held before the match.

    26 September 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Benni McCarthy criticizes dysfunction deterring foreign-based players

    Kenyan national team head coach Benni McCarthy says administrative dysfunction is preventing the recruitment of top international talent, and that bringing in seasoned professionals from elite foreign leagues is vital to raising the squad's standard and creating a learning environment for younger players.

    26 September 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 25 September

  1. Government to engage SRC on national team allowances

    The government intends to engage the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to review allowances for players in national teams to bolster their morale and enhance welfare. The Principal Secretary for Sports said the Ministry is open to constructive engagement with stakeholders, particularly Harambee Stars through the Football Kenya Federation, on possibilities of reviewing allowances upwards.

    25 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Harambee Stars captain Olunga sidelined for Eritrea AFCON qualifier

    Head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed that captain Michael Olunga is ruled out of Kenya's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea due to fitness precautions, with McCarthy prioritising his full recovery following a recent return from a lengthy injury layoff.

    25 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Government settles Harambee Stars arrears after McCarthy revelations

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has confirmed settlement of all outstanding financial obligations owed to Harambee Stars players and technical bench staff, following head coach Benni McCarthy's public disclosures about long-overdue player allowances and administrative lapses within the national team.

    24 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Government settles Harambee Stars allowances for past assignments

    The Government has paid financial allowances for previous Harambee Stars assignments, with payments for subsequent engagements undergoing administrative processing in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya stated that player welfare is central to effective preparation and performance as Kenya prepares for an AFCON 2027 qualifier against Eritrea.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Benni McCarthy reveals unpaid allowances, permit issues in Stars camp

    Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy has exposed turmoil ahead of Saturday's 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, including unresolved work permit issues, unpaid allowances, and players withdrawing from international duty. Players reportedly refused to train after demanding payment and seeking answers from the Sports Ministry about their welfare.

    23 September 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Stakeholders must resolve Kenyan Premier League disputes

    Kenya's Premier League, originally scheduled to start August 22, 2026, remains stalled due to disagreements over promotion, relegation, and competition regulations that have repeatedly landed the Football Kenya Federation and clubs back in court, with conflicting High Court orders further complicating efforts to begin the season.

    20 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Nyamweya calls for FIFA/CAF caretaker committee in Kenya football

    Former FKF president Sam Nyamweya has appealed to FIFA and CAF to establish a caretaker committee to run Kenyan football, citing legal disputes and the untenable leadership of FKF President Hussein Mohammed as paralyzing the local game.

    16 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 4 September

  1. Bandari coach urges urgent resolution to delayed KPL season

    Bandari FC head coach Charles Okere has warned that prolonged uncertainty over the start of the new league season is placing psychological and financial pressure on players and clubs. Court cases involving Kariobangi Sharks' relegation challenge have thrown the season kickoff into disarray.

    4 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. High Court ruling on Kenya Premier League promotion rules creates legal uncertainty

    A High Court ruling on August 28, 2026, regarding promotion and relegation regulations has created legal uncertainty for the Kenyan Premier League, with dispute centered on whether 2025 or 2019 rules apply to the 2026/2027 season. The 2025 regulations introduced automatic relegation of three teams and direct promotion of three National Super League teams, eliminating a playoff system, which Kariobangi Sharks challenged at the Sports Disputes Tribunal on procedural grounds.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 28 August

  1. Kenyan players showcase talent on European football stage

    Three Harambee Stars players featured in European football this week, with Job Ochieng making his first start of the season for Real Sociedad against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, playing 66 minutes in a 4-1 loss.

    28 August 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 27 August

  1. Former coach urges county-level football academies for talent development

    Former Kisped Queens coach Daniel Minjis has called on the government and Ministry of Sports to establish football academies in every county to provide structured training and development pathways for young players aspiring to reach the national team, Harambee Stars.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Collins Sichenje injured in Charlton's heavy loss to Spurs

    Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje was stretchered off after 15 minutes in Charlton Athletic's 5–1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He will miss AFCON qualifier matches beginning in September, though Kenya has qualified for the tournament as hosts.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Muhiddin predicts fierce AFC Leopards-Gor Mahia KPL title battle

    Former Harambee Stars head coach Twahir Muhiddin expects AFC Leopards and defending champions Gor Mahia to wage a fierce battle for the FKF Premier League title, with Leopards driven by their quest for a first league crown since 1998. Muhiddin believes Gor Mahia will be formidable once their injured players recover from the CECAFA tournament.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Mvurya urges Harambee Stars to target AFCON 2027 title

    Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has called on the Football Kenya Federation and Harambee Stars technical team to develop a preparation roadmap aimed at winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will host, rather than simply staging a successful tournament.

    26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Mvurya urges FKF to plan for AFCON 2027 title win

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has called on the Football Kenya Federation and Harambee Stars technical team to develop a preparation plan aimed at winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Mvurya said Kenya must use the home advantage to build a strong team capable of progressing through knockout stages and ultimately lifting the trophy.

    26 August 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. CS Mvurya urges unity and patriotism for AFCON27 preparations

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya met with the National Steering Committee and Local Organising Committee as preparations gather momentum for PAMOJA AFCON 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. He called on the committees to prioritise patriotism, work cohesively, and rise above political differences to deliver a successful tournament for Kenya and Africa.

    25 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 24 August

  1. FKF President promises Baba Dogo Sports Complex construction plans

    Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed has assured the Baba Dogo community that the Austin Odhiambo Sports Complex will remain available to residents, promising to implement strategies to begin its construction and upgrade despite a long-running land dispute.

    24 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Marathon record-holder Makau urges state pensions for retired athletes

    Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau has called on the government to establish a pension scheme and housing support for athletes, arguing that current cash rewards (Ksh 5 million for world records, Ksh 3 million for gold medals) are insufficient to prevent retired national stars from falling into financial hardship.

    20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Cabinet Secretary urges Harambee Stars to match Kenya's AFCON infrastructure

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured Kenyans that the government is mobilising resources to assemble a competitive Harambee Stars squad capable of claiming a historic first-ever continental title at next year's Africa Cup of Nations, with the Raila Odinga International Stadium at 94% completion as of August 2026.

    20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Kenya must build scientific support to sustain athletic success

    Kenya's athletic talent is plentiful, but the country lacks the scientific infrastructure—physiologists, nutritionists, data analysis—that rival nations use to develop and sustain medal-winning careers. Without proper screening and laboratory support, Kenya loses athletes to preventable injuries and doping, while foreign competitors exploit Kenyan altitude and trails to gain advantage.

    20 August 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Raila Odinga Stadium 93% complete for AFCON 2027

    Kenya's Raila Odinga International Stadium, a 60,000-seater facility, has reached 93 per cent completion ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the main pitch is ready and major installations including LED screens and sound systems are in place, with the project costing about Sh45.8 billion.

    19 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 14 August

  1. FKF U15 scouting program enters final phase for international tournaments

    The Football Kenya Federation's nationwide U15 talent identification program has reached its final phase after scouting over 1,000 players across the country over eight months. Eighty players (40 boys and 40 girls) will attend a national residential camp at Kabarak, from which final squads will be selected to represent Kenya at the CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026 and the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.

    14 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 13 August

  1. Sports betting deepens sports engagement for Nairobi casual bettor

    A Nairobi resident who started casual sports betting three months ago reports that the activity has changed how he engages with football—forcing him to pay closer attention to matches and learn more about teams and players than he did before betting.

    13 August 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Mulee defends Odemba after Starlets' WAFCON exit

    Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee has defended Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba following Kenya's early exit from the 2026 Women's African Cup of Nations in Morocco, framing the team's return to the continental tournament after a 10-year absence as part of a rebuilding process rather than a failure.

    12 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Timothy Ouma joins Charlton Athletic on season-long loan from Slavia Prague

    Kenya international midfielder Timothy Ouma has joined English club Charlton Athletic from Slavia Prague on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. Ouma, 22, reunites with fellow Kenyan international Collins Sichenje at the club, with the two having known each other since before Sichenje moved to Sweden and regularly rooming together on Harambee Stars duty.

    11 August 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 10 August

  1. Sports Disputes Tribunal upholds FKF promotion and relegation rules

    Mombasa football stakeholders have welcomed the Sports Disputes Tribunal's decision to uphold the Football Kenya Federation's 2025 promotion and relegation regulations, clearing the way for three NSL teams to earn promotion to the KPL while three top-flight sides will be relegated. Mombasa United, who finished third in the NSL, have consequently secured their place in next season's KPL.

    10 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Better player salaries essential for Kenyan football growth, Oliech says

    Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech has called on football stakeholders and corporate sponsors to prioritize player welfare through improved salaries and grassroots investment, arguing that better remuneration would motivate local talent and raise the quality of competition in the FKF Premier League.

    5 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Harambee Stars — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute