The Kenya national football team, colloquially known as the Harambee Stars, represents Kenya in association football. It is controlled by the Football Kenya Federation, the governing body of football in Kenya, and competes as a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA). The team plays its home games primarily at the Nyayo National Stadium in the capital, Nairobi.
 | |||
| Nickname(s) | Harambee Stars | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Football Kenya Federation (FKF) | ||
| Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
| Sub-confederation | CECAFA (Central & East Africa) | ||
| Head coach | Benni McCarthy | ||
| Captain | Michael Olunga | ||
| Most caps | Musa Otieno (90) | ||
| Top scorer | William Ouma (35) | ||
| Home stadium | Moi International Sports Centre | ||
| FIFA code | KEN | ||
| |||
| FIFA ranking | |||
| Current | 108  (19 December 2024)[1] | ||
| Highest | 68 (December 2008) | ||
| Lowest | 137 (July 2007) | ||
| First international | |||
 Kenya 1–1 Uganda  (Nairobi, Kenya; 1 May 1926) | |||
| Biggest win | |||
Kenya 10–0 Zanzibar  (Nairobi, Kenya; 4 October 1961) | |||
| Biggest defeat | |||
| Uganda 13–1 Kenya (Uganda; 14 December, 1932)[2] | |||
| Africa Cup of Nations | |||
| Appearances | 7 (first in 1972) | ||
| Best result | Group stage (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, 2019) | ||
| Four Nations Football Tournament | |||
| Appearances | 1 (first in 2024) | ||
| Best result | Champions (2024) | ||
| COSAFA Cup | |||
| Appearances | 2 (first in 2013) | ||
| Best result | Group stage (2013, 2024) | ||
| CECAFA Cup | |||
| Appearances | 80 (first in 1926) | ||
| Best result | Champions (1926, 1931, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1953, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1982, 1983, 2002, 2013, 2017) | ||
Name
editThe team's colloquial name, the Harambee Stars,[4][5] derives from Harambee, a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events such as fundraising and development activities. The word means "all pull together" in Swahili, and is the official motto of Kenya, appearing on its coat of arms.[6][7]
History
editFIFA suspended Kenya from all football activities for three months in 2004, due to the interference of the government in football activities. The ban was reversed after the country agreed to create new statutes.[8]
On 25 October 2006, Kenya was again suspended from international football, for failing to fulfil a January 2006 agreement made to resolve recurrent problems in its federation. FIFA announced that the suspension would be in force until the federation complied with the agreements previously reached.[8][9]
Kenya qualified for the 2019 AFCON. The head coach at the time, Sébastien Migné, was appointed in May 2018,[10] and since his appointment Kenya has climbed back into the top 100 FIFA ranked nations.[11]
In May 2017, the Football Kenya Federation signed a 3-year partnership with kits manufacturer Mafro Sports to provide the kits for all national teams, as well as junior categories. The national team would use red jerseys for home matches, white jerseys for away matches, and green jerseys for matches played on neutral venues.[12][13]
On 8 September 2018, Kenya earned a win over 4-time African champions Ghana, winning 1–0.[14]
On 14 January 2023, Football Kenya Federation stated that it had suspended 14 players, including six players from Zoo Kericho FC and two coaches for match-fixing allegations.[15][16]
Results and fixtures
editThe following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024
edit| 7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Kenya | 1–1 | | Lilongwe, Malawi |
| 15:00 UTC+2 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Referee: Jean Ouattara (Burkina Faso) |
| 11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Kenya | 0–0 | | Lilongwe, Malawi |
| 15:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco) |
| 27 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | Zambia | 0–2 | | Gqeberha, South Africa |
| Report | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium |
| 30 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | Kenya | 0–2 | | Gqeberha, South Africa |
| Report | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium |
| 2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup | Kenya | 2–0 | | Gqeberha, South Africa |
| 12:00 |
|
Report | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium |
| 6 September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | Kenya | 0–0 | | |
| 16:00 UTC+3 |
2025
edit| 20 March 2026 World Cup qualification | Gambia | 3–3 | | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 19:00 UTC+0 | Report (FIFA) Report (CAF) |
Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Referee: Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon) |
| 23 March 2026 World Cup qualification | Kenya | v | | Nairobi, Kenya |
| 16:00 UTC+3 | Report (FIFA) Report (CAF) |
Stadium: Nyayo National Stadium |
| September 2026 World Cup qualification | Kenya | v | |
| September 2026 World Cup qualification | Kenya | v | |
| October 2026 World Cup qualification | Burundi | v | |
| October 2026 World Cup qualification | Ivory Coast | v | |
Coaches
editRay Batchelor was appointed the first national team coach in 1961. However, there was dissent regarding his managerial skills, and a revolt among players during a CECAFA Cup game in Zanzibar[17] led to him being forced out. In 1963, not long after Kenyan independence was declared, Kenyan international Peter Oronge took over coaching duties;[18] however, he disappeared just hours before a Jamhuri Day friendly against reigning champions Ghana in 1965. His absence was never explained, and Batchelor was called in as an emergency replacement. This match was the team's worst defeat, with a final score of 13–2 against Ghana. At the time, the Ghanaians were a very strong team with a dangerous striker in the form of Ben Acheampong. Two days later, after Batchelor had reorganised the team, the Kenyans and Ghanaians drew in a friendly match.[19]
Managers since 1961 include (caretaker managers in italics):[20][18]
Ray Batchelor (1961, 1965)
Peter Oronge (1963)
Eckhard Krautzun (1971)
Grzegorz Polakow (1979)
Mohammed Kheri (1988–90, 1995, 2005)
Gerry Saurer (1992)
Vojo Gardašević (1996)
Christian Chukwu (1998)
Bernard Lama (2006)
Adel Amrouche (2013–14)
Bobby Williamson (2014–16)
Paul Put (2017–2018)
Engin Fırat (2021–24)
Benni McCarthy (2025–)
Players
editCurrent squad
editThe following players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group F matches against Gambia and
Gabon on 20 and 23 March 2025.[21]
Caps and goals are correct as of 19 November 2024, after the match against Namibia.
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Ian Otieno | 9 August 1993 | 10 | 0 | |
| 18 | GK | Farouk Shikalo | 12 October 1996 | 2 | 0 | |
| 23 | GK | Brian Bwire | 19 June 2000 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2 | DF | Manzur Okwaro | 1 January 2006 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | DF | Johnstone Omurwa | 8 August 1998 | 21 | 0 | |
| 5 | DF | Brian Onyango | 24 July 1994 | 38 | 3 | |
| 13 | DF | Erick Otieno | 27 September 1996 | 48 | 0 | |
| 15 | DF | Daniel Anyembe | 22 July 1998 | 11 | 0 | |
| 17 | DF | Ismael Athuman | 1 February 1995 | 11 | 0 | |
| 19 | DF | Rooney Onyango | 8 August 2001 | 13 | 1 | |
| 6 | MF | Teddy Akumu | 20 October 1992 | 60 | 1 | |
| 8 | MF | Duke Abuya | 23 March 1994 | 18 | 2 | |
| 11 | MF | William Wilson | 23 December 2001 | 0 | 0 | |
| 12 | MF | Richard Odada | 25 November 2000 | 21 | 1 | |
| 20 | MF | Amos Nondi | 10 February 1999 | 16 | 1 | |
| 22 | MF | Timothy Ouma | 10 June 2004 | 8 | 0 | |
| 3 | FW | Ben Stanley Omondi | 24 April 2004 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | FW | Mohammed Bajaber | 15 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | |
| 9 | FW | Jonah Ayunga | 24 May 1997 | 5 | 1 | |
| 10 | FW | Eric Johanna Omondi | 18 August 1994 | 36 | 4 | |
| 14 | FW | Michael Olunga | 26 March 1994 | 60 | 29 | |
| 16 | FW | Masoud Juma | 3 February 1996 | 22 | 8 | |
| 21 | FW | John Avire | 12 March 1997 | 12 | 2 | |
| FW | Elvis Rupia | 12 April 1995 | 4 | 1 | ||
Recent call-ups
editThe following players have also been called up to the Kenya squad within the last twelve months.
--->
Records
edit- As of 14 October 2024[22]
- Players in bold are still active with Kenya.
Most appearances
edit| Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Musa Otieno | 90 | 9 | 1993–2009 |
| 2 | Jonathan Niva | 88 | 10 | 1965–1976 |
| 3 | Allan Thigo | 81 | 11 | 1969–1978 |
| 4 | John Nyawanga | 80 | 17 | 1965–1976 |
| 5 | Dennis Oliech | 76 | 34 | 2002–2015 |
| 6 | Robert Mambo Mumba | 72 | 13 | 2000–2009 |
| 7 | Titus Mulama | 71 | 8 | 2001–2012 |
| 8 | Francis Onyiso | 70 | 0 | 1996–2011 |
| 9 | Wilberforce Mulamba | 68 | 14 | 1978–1988 |
| James Siang'a | 68 | 0 | 1963–1975 |
Top goalscorers
edit| Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William Ouma | 35 | 66 | 0.53 | 1965–1977 |
| 2 | Dennis Oliech | 34 | 76 | 0.45 | 2002–2015 |
| 3 | Elijah Lidonde | 33 | 26 | 1.27 | 1950–1961 |
| 4 | Michael Olunga | 31 | 64 | 0.48 | 2015–present |
| 5 | Ali Kajo | 26 | 32 | 0.81 | 1959–1969 |
| Livingstone Madegwa | 26 | 49 | 0.53 | 1964–1972 | |
| 7 | Joe Kadenge | 25 | 63 | 0.4 | 1957–1970 |
| 8 | John Baraza | 21 | 52 | 0.4 | 2002–2011 |
| 9 | Daniel Nicodemus | 17 | 34 | 0.5 | 1963–1972 |
| Mike Origi | 17 | 48 | 0.35 | 1990–2004 | |
| John Nyawanga | 17 | 80 | 0.21 | 1965–1976 |
Competition records
editFIFA World Cup
edit| FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
| 1930 to 1958 | Part of |
Part of | ||||||||||||||
| 1962 to 1970 | Did not enter | Declined participation | ||||||||||||||
| Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | ||||||||||
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |||||||||||
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | |||||||||||
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||
| 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |||||||||||
| 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 17 | |||||||||||
| 12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 16 | |||||||||||
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||||
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||||
| To be determined | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 6 | ||||||||||
| To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 0/16 | 79 | 25 | 22 | 32 | 91 | 106 | |||||||||
African Nations Championship
edit| African Nations Championship record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Qualified as co-hosts | ||||||||
| Total | TBD | 1/8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Africa Cup of Nations
edit| Africa Cup of Nations record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
| Not affiliated to CAF | ||||||||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Group stage | 5th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Did not enter | ||||||||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | |
| 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | ||
| 9th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Withdrew | ||||||||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Group stage | 11th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | |
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Group stage | 17th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | |
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Disqualified due to FIFA suspension | ||||||||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||
| Qualified as co-hosts | ||||||||
| To be determined | ||||||||
| Total | Group stage | 7/36 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 11 | 31 |
African Games
edit| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
Honours
editContinental
edit- African Games
Silver medal (1) : 1987
Regional
editReferences
edit- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ Courtney, Barrie. "Kenya International matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
- ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
- ^ "The Harambee Stars (official)". Facebook.
- ^ "Harambee Stars Archives". Football Kenya Federation. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ Musau, Mwende Mutuli (5 October 2020). "Harambee: The law of generosity that rules Kenya". BBC News.
- ^ Ng'ethe, Njuguna (1983). "Politics, Ideology and the Underprivileged: The Origins and Nature of the Harambee Phenomenon in Kenya". Journal of Eastern African Research & Development. 13: 150–170. JSTOR 24325584.
- ^ a b "FIFA suspends Kenya". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation sport. 26 October 2006. Archived from the original on 26 March 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2006.
- ^ Wandera, Gilbert (25 October 2006). "FIFA Suspends Kenya Indefinitely". Nairobi: AllAfrica.com – The East African Standard. Archived from the original on 7 November 2006. Retrieved 27 October 2006.
- ^ Chweya, Edward (20 February 2016). "New FKF president Nick Mwendwa sacks Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – Associations – Kenya – Men's". FIFA. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ^ "FKF unveils new kits in Ksh. 75M deal with Mafro Sports" (video). NTV Kenya. 22 May 2017. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Kenya 2017–18 Mafro Sports Kits". Todo Sobre Camisetas (in Spanish). 22 May 2017. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
- ^ "2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Kenya secure shock win over Ghana in qualifiers". BBC Sport. 8 September 2018. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- ^ "Kenya suspends 16 footballers, coaches over fixing allegations". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ Communications, F. K. F. (13 January 2023). "Provisional Suspension of Individuals Involved in Match Fixing". Football Kenya Federation. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ Mballa, Tony (22 October 2020). "When will Kenya get it right in coaches' revolving door". The Star. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Profiles of Kenya Harambee stars coaches". Kenya Football Page. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Remembering the football debacle of 1965 when Ghana thumped Kenya". Nation. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Kenya National Team Coaches". rsssf.org. 30 April 2006. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Coach Benni McCarthy Names Travelling Squad for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Gambia". Football Kenya Federation. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
- ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Kenya - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
External links
edit- Kenya at CAF
- Kenya at FIFA
- Kenyan Football Portal (archived 2014)