- The Kenya U17 National Team technical bench is led by William Muluya.
- He will be assisted by Shabana boss Peter Okidi.
- These individuals will be tasked with guiding the next generation of Kenyan football players.
The Kenya Under 17 national team is in Ethiopia for the CECAFA Under 17 tournament which also serves as the Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
SportPesa News takes a look at the profile of the recently constituted youth team technical bench.
These individuals will be tasked with guiding the next generation of Kenyan football players hoping to make the step to the senior national team Harambee Stars.
ALSO READ: William Muluya names Kenya U17 squad for AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers
Kenya U17 National Team Technical Bench
Head coach – William Muluya
Muluya, a CAF A coaching license holder, is the longest-serving tactician at a SportPesa League club.
Kanu, as he’s famously known, has been at the helm of Nairobi-based club Kariobangi Sharks since 2016 when he was appointed from Mathare United where he served as the team manager for four years. He steered Sharks to promotion to the top-flight in his first season at the club.
Following their promotion, Muluya led the team to an impressive third-place finish in their debut KPL season in 2017. The team also had the season’s top scorer Masoud Juma who bagged 17 goals and the top goalkeeper John Oyemba who managed 16 clean sheets. Muluya was named Coach of the Year for his achievements.
In 2018, he steered Kariobangi Sharks to the FKF Cup, then known as the SportPesa Shield. They defeated Sofapaka 3-2 in the final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to win their first major trophy in the club’s history.
Muluya led the team to their first and only appearance at the CAF Confederation Cup, where they eliminated Arta Solar in the preliminary round before seeing their campaign end in the first round after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Asante Kotoko from Ghana.
In 2019, he led Kariobangi Sharks to victory against English Premier League side Everton FC in the SportPesa Super Cup.
Aside from his club duties, the former Ajentos player has served as an assistant coach of the men’s senior national team on two occasions, deputizing Jacob “Ghost” Mulee in 2020 and the immediate former Harambee Stars Head Coach Engin Firat.
Muluya’s coaching philosophy, inspired by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, emphasizes trust in young players and developing talent from within.
He grew up in Nairobi’s Dandora neighborhood and credits football and coaching with saving him from a potential life of crime.
ALSO READ: Kenya U17 learn opponents for AFCON 2026 CECAFA Qualifiers
Assistant Coach – Peter Okidi
Okidi holds a CAF ‘A’ License and is the current head coach of Shabana FC, a position he has held since November 2024, first on an interim basis before being fully confirmed.
He took over a Glamour Boys side that was struggling near the relegation zone in the 2024/25 season and led them on an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak.
This run of form generated excitement about a potential title challenge. Despite not winning the title, the Kisii-based team secured a fifth-place finish with 53 points, in just their second season since being promoted back to the top-flight league.
Okidi has a wealth of experience in Kenyan Football, having previously managed other Kenyan clubs including Nakuru Bucks, Migori Youth, and Kakamega Homeboyz.
Assistant Coach – Kennedy Mbunga Musyoka
The CAF ‘A’ licensed holder currently holds the position of Technical Director at FKF National Super League club 3K FC.
Mbunga is the current Treasurer of the FKF Embu County Branch. He has also previously served as the Head Coach of FKF Division One club Ishiara FC.
Goalkeepers Coach – Abdul Iddi Salim
Iddi is a highly experienced coach with a CAF ‘A’ License as well as a UEFA Coaching certificate. He has worked with several prominent local and international clubs, including Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Wazito, Kenya Police and Tanzania’s Simba SC.
At Police, he stepped in as the head coach in their maiden appearance at the CAF Confederation Cup in place of Salim Babu, who didn’t have the mandatory CAF ‘A’ qualifications.
Iddi has previously served as the goalkeepers’ trainer for the senior men’s national team, Harambee Stars.
Strength and Conditioning – Eric Muranda
Muranda is an ex-Kenyan International who transitioned to the backroom after hanging up his boots. He currently serves as the fitness trainer at SportPesa League club Kakamega Homeboyz, a position he held similarly at KCB FC.
During his professional career as a player, he featured for several clubs, including Tusker FC, Posta Rangers, Nairobi City Stars and Ethiopian-based Sidama Coffee.
Team Manager – Shaban Masika
Shaban, a former player, is the eldest brother to Ayub Timbe and Musa Masika.
A former Sofapaka player, Masika has served as a coach for various clubs, including as the head coach for Dimba Patriots, where he helped them achieve promotion to the FKF Division One. He also had a stint with Kibra United.
Andrew Ijela – Safeguarding Officer
Ijela is a Media Practitioner and FIFA Connect and Transfer Management System Handler.
The former head of Media at Tanzanian Club Fountain Gate will be tasked with ensuring the welfare, protection, and safety of the minors both on and off the field, during their camp and the tournament.
The technical bench of the team will be completed by Edwin Gumbo, serving as the team doctor, and Stephen Mwangi, the Kit Manager.
The Junior Stars will compete in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda, as they seek to secure one of two available slots for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kenya Under 17 Squad for U17 AFCON qualifiers
