Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 23-man squad that will represent Kenya in the upcoming FIFA Series friendlies scheduled to take place in Kigali between March 23 and 31, 2026.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as the national team continues its preparations for upcoming assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
McCarthy’s selection also presents an opportunity for several players to make their first appearances for the national team. Among the most notable names is defender Zak Vyner, who earns his second call-up to the Harambee Stars setup.
Vyner had previously been called up during the tenure of former coach Engin Firat but was unable to travel with the team due to documentation issues.
This time around, the Wrexham defender will be hoping circumstances finally allow him to make his long-awaited debut for the national side.
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Another player attracting attention is teenage midfielder Zech Obiero, who is currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient.
Obiero, who was named in the Kenya U20 Afcon side that made her debut in the continental showpiece in Egypt and is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects and could use the FIFA Series as a platform to announce himself at senior international level.
There is also a return to the squad for versatile attacker Clarke Oduor, who has been recalled after a lengthy absence from the national team setup. His inclusion adds depth to the attacking department which will once again be spearheaded by captain Michael Olunga.
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Kenya has been drawn in a competitive mini-tournament that features European side Estonia, Caribbean nation Grenada and regional rivals Rwanda. The tournament format will see Kenya face Estonia in the opening match before progressing to either a final or third-place playoff depending on the result.
The opening fixture against Estonia is scheduled for March 27 at the iconic Amahoro Stadium.
For McCarthy, the FIFA Series presents an important window to assess his squad, build chemistry within the team and test combinations against opponents from different footballing regions.
The Harambee Stars players are expected to report to residential camp on March 22 before departing for Rwanda two days later as preparations intensify for the international friendlies.
Harambee Stars Fixtures
Kenya vs Estonia – March 27 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium
Winner M1 vs Winner M2 – March 30 | 9PM | Amahoro Stadium
Loser M1 vs Loser M2 – March 30 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium
Harambee Stars final squad for March FIFA Friendlies
- Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno
- Defenders: Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)
- Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC UTA Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)
- Attackers: Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki)