Kenya national football team
Nickname(s) | Harambee Stars | ||
---|---|---|---|
Association | Football Kenya Federation (FKF) | ||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
Sub-confederation | CECAFA (Central & East Africa) | ||
Head coach | Engin Firat | ||
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 | 107 4 (4 April 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; 1932)[2] | |||
Africa Cup of Nations | |||
Appearances | 7 (first in 1972) | ||
Best result | Group stage (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004 and 2019) | ||
Four Nations Football Tournament | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2024) | ||
Best result | Champions (2024) |
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.[4][5] 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.[6][7]
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.[8]
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.[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 will 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]
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]
- Ray Batchelor (1961)
- Peter Oronge (1963)
- Ray Batchelor (1965)
- Jack Gibbons (1966)
- Elijah Lidonde (1967)
- Eckhard Krautzun (1971)
- Jonathan Niva (1972)
- Ray Wood (1975)
- Grzegorz Polakow (1979)
- Stephen Yongo (1979)
- Marshall Mulwa (1980–83)
- Bernhard Zgoll (1984)
- Reinhard Fabisch (1987, 1997, 2001–02)
- Christopher Makokha (1988)
- Mohammed Kheri (1988–90, 1995, 2005)
- Gerry Saurer (1992)
- Vojo Gardašević (1996)
- Abdul Majid (1998)
- Christian Chukwu (1998)
- James Siang'a (1999–00)
- Joe Kadenge (2002)
- Jacob "Ghost" Mulee (2003–04, 2007–08, 2010, 2020–2021)
- Twahir Muhiddin (2004–05, 2009–10)
- Bernard Lama (2006)
- Tom Olaba (2006)
- Jacob "Ghost" Mulee (2007–08)
- Francis Kimanzi (2008–09, 2011–12)
- Antoine Hey (2009)
- Zedekiah Otieno (2010–11)
- Henri Michel (2012)
- James Nandwa (2012–13)
- Adel Amrouche (2013–14)
- Bobby Williamson (2014–16)
- Stanley Okumbi (2016–17, 2018)
- Paul Put (2017–2018)
- Sébastien Migne (2018–2019)
- Francis Kimanzi (2019–2020)
- Ken Odhiambo (2021)
- Engin Fırat (2021–present)
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
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) |
2024
23 March Friendly | Malawi | 0–4 | Kenya | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium |
26 March Friendly | Zimbabwe | 1–3 | Kenya | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium |
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 (age 36) | 33 | 0 | Tusker | |
1GK | Ian Otieno | (1993-08-09) 9 August 1993 (age 30) | 7 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
1GK | Joseph Ochuka | (1993-12-23) 23 December 1993 (age 30) | 0 | 0 | Bandari | |
2DF | Aboud Omar | (1992-09-09) 9 September 1992 (age 31) | 46 | 0 | Kenya Police | |
2DF | Erick Otieno | (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 (age 27) | 42 | 0 | Raków Częstochowa | |
2DF | Daniel Sakari | (1999-01-25) 25 January 1999 (age 25) | 16 | 0 | Tusker | |
2DF | Johnstone Omurwa | (1998-08-08) 8 August 1998 (age 25) | 15 | 0 | Estrela da Amadora | |
2DF | Amos Nondi | (1999-02-10) 10 February 1999 (age 25) | 10 | 1 | Ararat-Armenia | |
2DF | Dennis Ng'ang'a | (1993-09-03) 3 September 1993 (age 30) | 2 | 0 | Zanaco | |
2DF | Nabi Kibunguchy | (1998-01-05) 5 January 1998 (age 26) | 1 | 0 | Orlando City B | |
2DF | Haniff Wesonga | (2003-01-01) 1 January 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | |
3MF | Teddy Akumu | (1992-10-20) 20 October 1992 (age 31) | 56 | 1 | Sagan Tosu | |
3MF | Eric Johanna Omondi | (1994-08-18) 18 August 1994 (age 29) | 37 | 4 | UTA Arad | |
3MF | Kenneth Muguna | (1996-01-06) 6 January 1996 (age 28) | 31 | 2 | Azam | |
3MF | Ayub Masika | (1992-09-10) 10 September 1992 (age 31) | 30 | 4 | Sabail | |
3MF | Duke Abuya | (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30) | 13 | 0 | Kenya Police | |
3MF | Richard Odada | (2000-11-25) 25 November 2000 (age 23) | 13 | 1 | AaB | |
3MF | Duncan Otieno | (1994-05-26) 26 May 1994 (age 29) | 13 | 1 | Lusaka Dynamos | |
3MF | Timothy Ouma | (2004-06-10) 10 June 2004 (age 19) | 4 | 0 | IF Elfsborg | |
3MF | Rooney Onyango | (2001-08-08) 8 August 2001 (age 22) | 3 | 1 | Gor Mahia | |
4FW | Alfred Scriven | (1998-01-26) 26 January 1998 (age 26) | 2 | 0 | Hødd | |
4FW | Michael Olunga (captain) | (1994-03-26) 26 March 1994 (age 30) | 56 | 24 | Al-Duhail | |
4FW | Masoud Juma | (1996-02-03) 3 February 1996 (age 28) | 22 | 8 | Al-Jabalain | |
4FW | Benson Ochieng | (2001-10-16) 16 October 2001 (age 22) | 2 | 1 | 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 (age 23) | 5 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
GK | Brian Bwire | (2000-06-19) 19 June 2000 (age 23) | 2 | 0 | Tusker | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
GK | Levis Opiyo | (1992-11-28) 28 November 1992 (age 31) | 0 | 0 | Leopards | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
DF | Joseph Okumu | (1997-05-26) 26 May 1997 (age 26) | 21 | 1 | Reims | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
DF | Collins Sichenje | (2003-09-19) 19 September 2003 (age 20) | 3 | 0 | KuPS | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
DF | David Ochieng | (1992-10-07) 7 October 1992 (age 31) | 40 | 2 | Mathare United | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
DF | Daniel Anyembe | (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 25) | 4 | 0 | Viborg | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
DF | Robinson Kamura | (1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 (age 29) | 3 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
DF | Siraj Mohammed | (1998-12-04) 4 December 1998 (age 25) | 0 | 0 | Bandari | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
DF | Brian Onyango | (1994-07-24) 24 July 1994 (age 29) | 39 | 3 | Mamelodi Sundowns | v. Iran, 28 March 2023 |
DF | Andrew Juma | (1994-08-07) 7 August 1994 (age 29) | 1 | 0 | Bandari | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
DF | Maurice Owino | (2000-11-28) 28 November 2000 (age 23) | 0 | 0 | KCB | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Alpha Chris Onyango | (2000-12-23) 23 December 2000 (age 23) | 0 | 0 | Gor Mahia | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
MF | Victor Omune | (1993-02-14) 14 February 1993 (age 31) | 3 | 0 | Leopards | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
MF | Alvin Mang'eni | (1995-01-08) 8 January 1995 (age 29) | 0 | 0 | Kenya Police | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
MF | Wilkims Ochieng | (2003-02-15) 15 February 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Levadiakos | v. Iran, 28 March 2023 |
MF | Moses Shumah | (1994-12-21) 21 December 1994 (age 29) | 2 | 1 | Kakamega Homeboyz | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Hassan Beja | (2003-01-13) 13 January 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Nzoia Sugar | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Joseph Mwangi | (1986-04-06) 6 April 1986 (age 38) | 0 | 0 | Nzoia Sugar | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
FW | Clifton Miheso | (1993-02-05) 5 February 1993 (age 31) | 45 | 7 | Gor Mahia | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
FW | Hassan Abdallah | (1996-07-06) 6 July 1996 (age 27) | 19 | 6 | Bandari | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
FW | Elvis Rupia | (1995-04-12) 12 April 1995 (age 29) | 4 | 1 | Kenya Police | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
FW | Boniface Omondi | (1994-11-22) 22 November 1994 (age 29) | 0 | 0 | Gor Mahia | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
INJ Withdrew due to injury |
Records
- As of 26 March 2024[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 | Michael Olunga | 29 | 58 | 0.5 | 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
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup | Qualification | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | ||
1962 to 1970 | Did not enter | Declined participation | ||||||||||||||
1974 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | |||||||||
1978 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||
1982 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | ||||||||||
1986 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | ||||||||||
1990 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||
1994 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||
1998 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 14 | ||||||||||
2002 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||
2006 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 17 | ||||||||||
2010 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 16 | ||||||||||
2014 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 5 | ||||||||||
2018 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||
2022 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||
2026 | To be determined | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||
2030 | To be determined | |||||||||||||||
2034 | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 0/16 | 76 | 25 | 19 | 32 | 86 | 102 |
Africa Cup of Nations
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1957 to 1959 | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||
1962 to 1970 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1972 | Group stage | 5th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
1974 to 1982 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1984 | Did not enter | |||||||
1986 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1988 | Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
1990 | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
1992 | 9th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | |
1994 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1996 | Withdrew | |||||||
1998 to 2002 | Did not qualify | |||||||
2004 | Group stage | 11th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
2006 to 2017 | Did not qualify | |||||||
2019 | Group stage | 17th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
2021 | Did not qualify | |||||||
2023 | Disqualified due to FIFA suspension | |||||||
2025 | to be determined | |||||||
2027 | Qualified as co-host | |||||||
Total | Group stage | 7/36 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 11 | 31 |
African Games
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1987 | 2nd | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
CECAFA Cup
References
- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 4 April 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. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Final Squad". Facebook. Football Kenya Federation.
- ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Kenya - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
External links
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