The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken steps to address pressing concerns regarding outstanding payments and the work permit status of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and certain members of his technical team. In a statement released on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the FKF announced that the Ministry of Sports had confirmed the clearance of an outstanding payment related to a previous assignment involving the Harambee Stars. This payment was anticipated to reflect by Thursday, providing some relief to the financial issues faced by the national team.
However, the FKF acknowledged that other financial obligations, including payments for national team preparations and allowances, were still pending and at various stages of processing. The federation emphasized its commitment to resolving these issues by maintaining regular communication with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant offices. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all outstanding matters are addressed promptly, allowing the team to focus on their preparations without financial distractions.
Regarding the work permits, the FKF confirmed its awareness of the concerns surrounding the documentation of Coach Benni McCarthy and some of his technical team members. The federation is actively collaborating with relevant government agencies to process the necessary documentation. The FKF described the work permit process as an administrative matter and assured that it was being handled diligently with the appropriate authorities. Despite these challenges, McCarthy and his technical team have been able to travel in and out of Kenya with the national team for international assignments, underscoring the importance of their roles.
The FKF highlighted that the responsibilities of the technical team extend beyond national team camps. They are also tasked with monitoring domestic matches and players across the country, which is crucial for identifying and nurturing local talent. This comprehensive approach is part of the federation's broader strategy to strengthen the national team.
As the Harambee Stars gear up for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, the FKF remains focused on supporting the team. The federation is actively engaging with players, the technical team, and the Ministry of Sports to address outstanding issues. Expressing gratitude for the Ministry's support, the FKF reiterated its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the national team's preparations remain on track, aiming for success in their continental campaign.
