Kenya
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Harambee Stars
AssociationFootball Kenya Federation (FKF)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCECAFA (Central & East Africa)
Head coachEngin Firat
CaptainMichael Olunga
Most capsMusa Otieno (90)
Top scorerWilliam Ouma (35)
Home stadiumMoi International Sports Centre
FIFA codeKEN
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 110 Steady (21 December 2023)[1]
Highest68 (December 2008)
Lowest137 (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; 1932)[2]
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances6 (first in 1972)
Best resultGroup stage (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004 and 2019)

The Kenya national football team, also known as the Harambee Stars represents Kenya in association football. It is controlled by the Football Kenya Federation, the governing body 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). It is colloquially known as Harambee Stars and plays its home games primarily at the Nyayo National Stadium in the capital, Nairobi.

Name

The Kenya national football team is known as The Harambee Stars.[3][4] Harambee is a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events, e.g. fundraising or development activities. The word means "all pull together" in Swahili, and is the official motto of Kenya, appearing on its coat of arms.[5][6]

History

FIFA 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.[7]

On 25 October 2006, Kenya was again suspended from international football, for failing to fulfill a January 2006 agreement made to resolve recurrent problems in its federation. FIFA announced that the suspension would be in force until the federation complies with the agreements previously reached.[7][8]

Kenya qualified for the 2019 AFCON. The head coach at the time Sébastien Migné was appointed in May 2018,[9] and since his appointment Kenya has climbed back into the top 100 FIFA ranked nations.[10]

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 will use red jerseys for home matches, white jerseys for away matches, and green jerseys for matches played on neutral venues.[11][12]

On 8 September 2018, Kenya earned a win over 4-time African champions Ghana, winning 1–0.[13]

On 8 March 2021, Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa and Odibets General Manager Dedan Mungai unveiled a partnership. The partnership was the first of its kind where the betting company Odibets would sponsor the Kenyan football team to prepare for five upcoming matches. The 5 million shilling motivation deal was set in place to cater for the team's wants and needs. While it was set as a continuous partnership, the initial donation of KSH 5,000,000 was made as a 1 time payment.[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]

Coaches

Ray Batchelor was appointed the first national team coach in 1961. However dissension regarding his managerial skills, and there was a revolt among players during a CECAFA Cup game in Zanzibar[17] and he was forced out. In 1963, not longer 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]

Results and fixtures

The 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

2023

28 March Friendly Iran  2–1  Kenya Tehran, Iran
Stadium: Azadi Stadium
14 June 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup Pakistan  0–1  Kenya Saint Pierre, Mauritius
15:00 Moses 18' Stadium: Stade de Cote d'Or
Referee: Andofetra Rakotojaona (Madagascar)
18 June 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup Mauritius  1–0  Kenya Saint Pierre
15:30 Saramandif 22' Stadium: Stade de Cote d'Or
Referee: Ibrahim Ben Tsimanohitsy (Madagascar)
7 September Friendly Qatar  1–2  Kenya Al Wakrah, Qatar
 Report
Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium
12 September Friendly Kenya  0–1  South Sudan Nairobi, Kenya
Report
Stadium: Moi International Sports Centre
Referee: Abdoul Karim Twagirumukiza (Rwanda)
16 October Friendly Russia  2–2  Kenya Aksu, Turkey
 Report
Stadium: Mardan Sports Complex
16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Gabon  2–1  Kenya Franceville, Gabon
17:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Stade de Franceville
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
20 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Seychelles  0–5  Kenya Abidjan, Ivory Coast
19:00 UTC±0 Report
Stadium: Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny
Referee: Tawel Younoussa Camara (Guinea)

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Gabon and Seychelles on 16 and 20 November 2023.[21]

Caps and goals are correct as of 20 November 2023, after the match against Seychelles.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Patrick Matasi (1987-12-11) 11 December 1987 33 0 Kenya Tusker
1GK Ian Otieno (1993-08-09) 9 August 1993 7 0 Zambia ZESCO United
1GK Joseph Ochuka (1993-12-23) 23 December 1993 0 0 Kenya Bandari
2DF Aboud Omar (1992-09-09) 9 September 1992 46 0 Kenya Kenya Police
2DF Erick Ouma (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 42 0 Poland Raków Częstochowa
2DF Daniel Sakari (1999-01-25) 25 January 1999 16 0 Kenya Tusker
2DF Johnstone Omurwa (1998-08-08) 8 August 1998 15 0 Portugal Estrela da Amadora
2DF Amos Nondi (1999-02-10) 10 February 1999 10 1 Armenia Ararat-Armenia
2DF Dennis Ng'ang'a (1993-09-03) 3 September 1993 2 0 Zambia Zanaco
2DF Nabi Kibunguchy (1998-01-05) 5 January 1998 1 0 United States Orlando City B
2DF Haniff Wesonga (2003-01-01) 1 January 2003 0 0 Kenya Kenya Commercial Bank
3MF Teddy Akumu (1992-10-20) 20 October 1992 56 1 Japan Sagan Tosu
3MF Eric Johanna Omondi (1994-08-18) 18 August 1994 37 4 Romania UTA Arad
3MF Kenneth Muguna (1996-01-06) 6 January 1996 31 2 Tanzania Azam
3MF Ayub Masika (1992-09-10) 10 September 1992 30 4 China Nanjing City
3MF Duke Abuya (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 13 0 Kenya Kenya Police
3MF Richard Odada (2000-11-25) 25 November 2000 13 1 Denmark AaB
3MF Duncan Otieno (1994-05-26) 26 May 1994 13 1 Zambia Lusaka Dynamos
3MF Timothy Ouma (2004-06-10) 10 June 2004 4 0 Sweden IF Elfsborg
3MF Rooney Onyango (2001-08-08) 8 August 2001 3 1 Kenya Gor Mahia
4FW Alfred Scriven (1998-01-26) 26 January 1998 2 0 Norway Hødd
4FW Michael Olunga (1994-03-26) 26 March 1994 56 24 Qatar Al-Duhail
4FW Masoud Juma (1996-02-03) 3 February 1996 22 8 Saudi Arabia Al-Jabalain
4FW Benson Ochieng (2001-10-16) 16 October 2001 2 1 Kenya Gor Mahia

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Kenya squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Bryne Odhiambo (2000-11-28) 28 November 2000 5 0 Kenya Kenya Commercial Bank v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
GK Brian Bwire (2000-06-19) 19 June 2000 2 0 Kenya Tusker v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
GK Levin Opiyo (1992-11-28) 28 November 1992 0 0 Kenya Leopards v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
DF Joseph Okumu (1997-05-26) 26 May 1997 21 1 France Reims v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
DF Collins Sichenje (2003-09-19) 19 September 2003 3 0 Finland KuPS v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
DF David Ochieng (1992-10-07) 7 October 1992 40 2 Kenya Mathare United v.  South Sudan; 12 September 2023
DF Daniel Anyembe (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 4 0 Denmark Viborg v.  South Sudan; 12 September 2023
DF Robinson Kamura (1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 3 0 Kenya Kenya Commercial Bank 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup
DF Siraj Mohammed (1998-12-04) 4 December 1998 0 0 Kenya Bandari 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup
DF Brian Onyango (1994-07-24) 24 July 1994 39 3 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Iran, 28 March 2023
DF Andrew Juma (1994-08-07) 7 August 1994 1 0 Kenya Bandari v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
DF Maurice Owino (2000-11-28) 28 November 2000 0 0 Kenya KCB v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
MF Alpha Chris Onyango (2000-12-23) 23 December 2000 0 0 Kenya Gor Mahia v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
MF Victor Omune (1993-02-14) 14 February 1993 3 0 Kenya Leopards 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup
MF Alvin Mang'eni (1995-01-08) 8 January 1995 0 0 Kenya Kenya Police 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup
MF Wilkims Ochieng (2003-02-15) 15 February 2003 0 0 Unattached v.  Iran, 28 March 2023
MF Moses Shumah (1994-12-21) 21 December 1994 2 1 Kenya Kakamega Homeboyz v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
MF Hassan Beja (2003-01-13) 13 January 2003 0 0 Kenya Nzoia Sugar v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
MF Joseph Mwangi (1986-04-06) 6 April 1986 0 0 Kenya Nzoia Sugar v.  Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE
FW Clifton Miheso (1993-02-05) 5 February 1993 45 7 Kenya Gor Mahia v.  Russia; 16 October 2023
FW Hassan Abdallah (1996-07-06) 6 July 1996 19 6 Kenya Bandari v.  South Sudan; 12 September 2023
FW Elvis Rupia (1995-04-12) 12 April 1995 4 1 Kenya Kenya Police v.  South Sudan; 12 September 2023
FW Boniface Omondi (1994-11-22) 22 November 1994 0 0 Kenya Gor Mahia 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup

INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary/Standby squad
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension
WD Withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue

Records

As of 20 November 2023[22]
Players in bold are still active with Kenya.

Most appearances

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

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 Ali Kajo 26 32 0.81 1959–1969
Livingstone Madegwa 26 49 0.53 1964–1972
6 Joe Kadenge 25 63 0.4 1957–1970
7 Michael Olunga 24 56 0.43 2015–present
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

FIFA World Cup

Final tournament Qualification
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
England 1966 Did not enter Declined participation
Mexico 1970
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 6 2 2 2 9 8
Argentina 1978 2 0 1 1 0 1
Spain 1982 2 1 0 1 3 6
Mexico 1986 4 1 1 2 6 10
Italy 1990 6 1 3 2 2 4
United States 1994 2 1 0 1 2 4
France 1998 8 4 1 3 13 14
South Korea Japan 2002 2 0 1 1 0 2
Germany 2006 12 4 2 6 11 17
South Africa 2010 12 4 1 7 13 16
Brazil 2014 8 3 3 2 11 5
Russia 2018 4 2 1 1 6 4
Qatar 2022 6 1 3 2 4 9
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 2 1 0 1 6 2
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/22 76 25 19 32 86 102

Africa Cup of Nations

Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957 to United Arab Republic 1959Not affiliated to CAF
Ethiopia 1962 to Sudan 1970Did not qualify
Cameroon 1972 Group stage 5th 3 0 2 1 3 4
Egypt 1974 to Libya 1982Did not qualify
Ivory Coast 1984 Did not enter
Egypt 1986 Did not qualify
Morocco 1988 Group stage 8th 3 0 1 2 0 6
Algeria 1990 8th 3 0 1 2 0 3
Senegal 1992 9th 2 0 0 2 1 5
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify
South Africa 1996 Withdrew
Burkina Faso 1998 to Mali 2002Did not qualify
Tunisia 2004 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 6
Egypt 2006 to Gabon 2017 Did not qualify
Egypt 2019 Group stage 17th 3 1 0 2 3 7
Cameroon 2021 Did not qualify
Ivory Coast 2023 Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
Morocco 2025to be determined
KenyaTanzaniaUganda 2027Qualified as co-host
TotalGroup stage7/361724111131

African Games

Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
Kenya 19872nd522176

CECAFA Cup

References

  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  2. ↑ Courtney, Barrie. "Kenya International matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
  3. ↑ "The Harambee Stars (official)". Facebook.
  4. ↑ "Harambee Stars Archives". Football Kenya Federation. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  5. ↑ Musau, Mwende Mutuli (5 October 2020). "Harambee: The law of generosity that rules Kenya". BBC News.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. 1 2 "FIFA suspends Kenya". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation sport. 26 October 2006. Archived from the original on 26 March 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2006.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – Associations – Kenya – Men's". FIFA. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  11. ↑ "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.
  12. ↑ "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.
  13. ↑ "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.
  14. ↑ H., Peter (4 April 2021). "Odibets Signs Deal With Harambee Stars". Gamblers.Africa. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  15. ↑ "Kenya suspends 16 footballers, coaches over fixing allegations". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  16. ↑ 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.
  17. ↑ Mballa, Tony (22 October 2020). "When will Kenya get it right in coaches' revolving door". The Star. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  18. 1 2 "Profiles of Kenya Harambee stars coaches". Kenya Football Page. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  19. ↑ "Remembering the football debacle of 1965 when Ghana thumped Kenya". Nation. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  20. ↑ "Kenya National Team Coaches". rsssf.org. 30 April 2006. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  21. ↑ "Final Squad". Facebook. Football Kenya Federation.
  22. ↑ Mamrud, Roberto. "Kenya - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
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