Football is a unifying force in Kenya, bringing people together and fueling national pride. Founded in 1926 and known as the Harambee Stars, the team has grown into a symbol of passion and hard work, inspiring fans across the country. At the heart of this football tradition is the Kenya national football team.
Harambee Stars squad has a rich history, marked by significant victories and formidable challenges on both regional and international stages. Their performances in Kenya national football team games have shaped their reputation, with home matches at Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre playing a crucial role in their development. As they prepare for the Harambee Stars FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the team remains focused on improving their standing on the global stage.
Kenya national football team summary
| Full name | Kenya national football team |
| Nickname | Harambee stars |
| Federation | Football Kenya Federation (FKF) |
| Confederation | CAF (Africa) |
| Sub – confederation | CECAFA (Central and East Africa) |
| Head coach | Benni McCarthy |
| Captain | Michael Olunga |
| Most appearances | Musa Otieno(90) |
| Top goal scorers | William Ouma(35) |
| Home stadium | Moi International Sports Centre |
| FIFA code | KEN |
Where did the name Harambee Stars come from?
The name “Harambee Stars”comes from the Swahili word “Harambee,” which means “pulling together” and represents Kenya’s spirit of teamwork and unity. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, President Jomo Kenyatta promoted “Harambee” as a motto to encourage people to work together for progress. On December 16, 1976, Football Kenya Federation chairman Kenneth Matiba officially gave the national football team this name without public input. The name reflects both the team’s unity and Kenya’s culture of cooperation.
History of Kenyan football team
Kenya’s national football team faced suspensions from FIFA in 2004 and 2006 due to government interference. However, the team qualified for the Kenya AFCON qualifiers in 2019 under coach Sebastien Migne, who helped improve the Kenya national football team FIFA ranking. In 2017, Football Kenya Federation partnered with Mafro Sports to provide new kits for home, away, and neutral games. On January 14, 2023, 14 players and two coaches were suspended for match-fixing.
Kenya national team fixtures
| Match | Date to be played | Time |
| Kenya vs Gabon | March 23, 2025 | 16:00 |
| Kenya vs Gambia | Sep 1, 2025 | TBD |
| Kenya vs Seychelles | Sep 8, 2025 | TBD |
| Burundi vs Kenya | Oct 6, 2025 | TBD |
| Ivory coast vs Kenya | 0ct 13, 2025 | TBD |
Kenya national team results
| Match | Date played | Results |
| Malawi vs Kenya | March 23, 2024 | 0-4 |
| Zimbabwe vs kenya | March 26, 2024 | 1-3 |
| Kenya vs Burundi | June 7, 2024 | 1-1 |
| Kenya vs ivory coast | June 11, 2024 | 0-0 |
| Zambia vs Kenya | June 27, 2024 | 0-2 |
| Kenya vs comoros | June 30, 2024 | 0-2 |
| Kenya vs Zimbabwe | July 2, 2024 | 2-0 |
| Kenya vs Zimbabwe | Sep 6, 2024 | 0-0 |
| Gambia vs Kenya | March 20, 2025 | 3-3 |
Who was the first Harambee stars coach?
Ray Batchelor became the first Kenya national football team coach in 1961. His time as coach had challenges, including a player protest during a CECAFA Cup match in Zanzibar, which led to his exit. In 1963, former player Peter Oronge took over but mysteriously disappeared before a 1965 match against Ghana. Batchelor was then brought back to coach the team for that game.
Kenyan football team coaches
| Kenya national football team coach names | Period at Harambee stars |
| Ray Batchelor | 1961, 1965 |
| Peter Oronge | 1963 |
| Jack Gibbons | 1966 |
| Elijah Lidonde | 1967 |
| Eckhard Krautzun | 1971 |
| Jonathan Niva | 1972 |
| Ray Wood | 1975 |
| Grzegorz Polakow | 1979 |
| Stephen Yongo | 1979 |
| Marshall Mulwa | 1980-1983 |
| Bernhard Zgoll | 1984 |
| Reinhard Fabisch | 1987, 1997, 2001–2002 |
| Christopher Makokha | 1988 |
| Mohammed Kheri | (1988–1990, 1995, 2005) |
| Gerry Saurer | 1992 |
| Vojo Gardašević | 1996 |
| Abdul Majid | 1998 |
| Christian Chukwu | 1998 |
| James Siang’a | 1999-2000 |
| Joe Kadenge | 2002 |
| Jacob “Ghost” Mulee | 2003–2004, 2007–2008, 2010, 2020–2021 |
| Twahir Muhiddin | 2004–2005, 2009–2010 |
| Bernard Lama | 2006 |
| Tom Olaba | 2006 |
| Jacob “Ghost” Mulee | 2007-2008 |
| Francis Kimanzi | 2008-2009 , 2011-2012 |
| Antoine Hey | 2009 |
| Zedekiah Otieno | 2010-2011 |
| Henri Michel | 2012 |
| James Nandwa | 2012-2013 |
| Adel Amrouche | 2014–16 |
| Bobby Williamson | 2016–2017, 2018 |
| Stanley Okumbi | 2018–2019 |
| Paul Put | 2017–2018 |
| Sébastien Migné | 2018–2019 |
| Francis Kimanzi | 2019–2020 |
| Kennedy Odhiambo | 2021 |
| Engin Fırat | 2021-2024 |
| Francis Kimanzi | 2024-2025 |
| Benni McCarthy | 2025-today |
Kenya national football team current squad
| Position | Kenya squad | Age | Club |
| Goalkeepers | Ian Otieno Brian Bwire | 31 24 | Richards Bay Polokwane City |
| Defenders | Erick Otieno Brian Onyango Johnstone Omurwa Rooney Onyango Daniel Anyembe Ismael Athuman Manzur Okwaro | 28 30 26 23 26 30 20 | Rakow Czestochowa Stellenbosch Abha Gor Mahia Viborg Mérida KCB |
| Midfielders | Teddy Akumu Richard Odada Duke Abuya Amos Nondi Timothy Ouma | 25 24 30 26 20 | Kheybar Khorramabad OFK Beograd Young Africans Ararat-Armenia Slavia Prague |
| Forwards | Michael Olunga Eric Johanna Omondi Masoud Juma John Avire Jonah Ayunga Elvis Rupia Mohammed Bajaber Ben Stanley Omondi | 30 30 29 28 27 29 22 20 | Al-Duhail UTA Arad Esteghlal El Sekka El Hadid St Mirren Ihefu Kenya Police Gor Mahia |
Players with the most appearances in the Kenyan football club
| Kenya national football team names | Number of appearances |
| Musa Otieno | 90 |
| Jonathan Niva | 88 |
| Allan Thigo | 81 |
| John Nyawanga | 80 |
| Dennis Oliech | 76 |
| Robert Mambo Mumba | 72 |
| Titus Mulama | 71 |
| Francis Onyiso | 70 |
| Wilberforce Mulamba | 68 |
| James Siang’a | 68 |
Who are the top 10 goal scorers for the Kenyan national football team?
| Kenya national football team players | Goals scored |
| William Ouma | 35 |
| Dennis Oliech | 34 |
| Elijah Lidonde | 33 |
| Michael Olunga | 30 |
| Ali Kajo | 26 |
| Livingstone Madegwa | 26 |
| Joe Kadenge | 25 |
| John Baraza | 21 |
| Daniel Nicodemus | 17 |
| Mike Origi | 17 |
Records of various competitions
| Competition | Appearances | Result | Seasons |
| FIFA World Cup | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| African Cup of Nations | 6 | Group stage | 1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, 2019 |
| African Nations Championship | 1 (as co-hosts) | N/A | 2024 (upcoming) |
| African games | 1 | Silver medal | 1987 |
| CECAFA Cup | Multiple 7 6 | Winner (7times) Second runners up Third runners up | 1975,1981,1982,1983,2002,2013,2017 1979, 1985, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2012 1978, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 2003 |
Kenya in FIFA World Cup
Kenya has never played in the FIFA World Cup, but its journey in international football is shown in its changing FIFA rankings. The team reached its highest ranking of 68 in December 2008, showing its potential on the global stage. However, in July 2007, it dropped to 137, reflecting struggles in performance. By December 2022, Kenya held a steady position at 101, showing progress and the hope of qualifying in the future.
What year did Kenya qualify for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN)?
Kenya made its debut in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in the 2024 edition as one of the hosting nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Prior to that, Harambee Stars had not qualified for the African Nations Championship through since the tournament’s establishment in 2009. The CHAN competition features national teams composed exclusively of players active in their domestic leagues. Despite participating in various qualification rounds, Kenya has not secured a spot in the final tournament to date.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024 Prize Money: How much Harambee Stars will earn for reaching quarterfinal stage
African cup of nations
Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) six times, with their debut in 1972. Despite these appearances, they have not advanced beyond the group stages. Their most recent participation was in 2019, where they secured a win against Tanzania but did not progress further. Looking ahead, Kenya is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda, providing another opportunity to compete on home soil.
Awards and Honors
| Type | Competition | Titles | Season |
| Continental | African games | 1 silver medal | 1987 |
| Regional | CECAFA Cup | Winners(7) 2nd runners-up (7) 3rd runners-up(6) | 1975,1981,1982,1983,2002,2013,2017 1979, 1985, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2012 1978, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 2003 |
FAQs for Kenya national football team
What is soccer called in Kenya?
In Kenya, the game known as “soccer” in North America is called “football,” just as it is in most other countries around the world.
How much does it cost to register a football club in Kenya?
In Kenya, registering a football club costs Ksh 5,000 initially, with an annual renewal fee of Ksh 2,000.
What is FKF in full?
“FKF” stands for Football Kenya Federation which is the governing body responsible for overseeing football activities in Kenya.
What is the oldest football club in Kenya?
Maragoli FC, founded in 1935, is Kenya’s oldest football club, while AFC Leopards, established on March 12, 1964, is one of the country’s most historic teams.
Conclusion
The Kenya national football team continues to inspire fans through its commitment to excellence in football. As they work towards improving their Kenya national football team FIFA ranking, their focus remains on success in Harambee Stars FIFA World Cup qualifier matches and the Kenya AFCON qualifiers. With strong leadership from their coach Benni McCarthy, the team is determined to make a mark on the international stage. The latest Kenya national football team news today keeps fans updated as Harambee Stars squad prepares for future challenges, striving to elevate Kenyan football to new heights.