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 | 111 1 (15 February 2024) | ||
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) | |||
Africa Cup of Nations | |||
Appearances | 7 (first in 1972) | ||
Best result | Group 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. 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.
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.
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.
Kenya qualified for the 2019 AFCON. The head coach at the time Sébastien Migné was appointed in May 2018, and since his appointment Kenya has climbed back into the top 100 FIFA ranked nations.
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.
On 8 September 2018, Kenya earned a win over 4-time African champions Ghana, winning 1–0.
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.
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 and he was forced out. In 1963, not longer after Kenyan independence was declared, Kenyan international Peter Oronge took over coaching duties; 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.
Managers since 1961 include (caretaker managers in italics):
- 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) |
12 September Friendly | Kenya | 0–1 | South Sudan | Nairobi, Kenya |
Report |
|
Stadium: Moi International Sports Centre Referee: Abdoul Karim Twagirumukiza (Rwanda) |
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.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Patrick Matasi | 11 December 1987 | 33 | 0 | Tusker | |
GK | Ian Otieno | 9 August 1993 | 7 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
GK | Joseph Ochuka | 23 December 1993 | 0 | 0 | Bandari | |
DF | Aboud Omar | 9 September 1992 | 46 | 0 | Kenya Police | |
DF | Erick Ouma | 27 September 1996 | 42 | 0 | Raków Częstochowa | |
DF | Daniel Sakari | 25 January 1999 | 16 | 0 | Tusker | |
DF | Johnstone Omurwa | 8 August 1998 | 15 | 0 | Estrela da Amadora | |
DF | Amos Nondi | 10 February 1999 | 10 | 1 | Ararat-Armenia | |
DF | Dennis Ng'ang'a | 3 September 1993 | 2 | 0 | Zanaco | |
DF | Nabi Kibunguchy | 5 January 1998 | 1 | 0 | Orlando City B | |
DF | Haniff Wesonga | 1 January 2003 | 0 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | |
MF | Teddy Akumu | 20 October 1992 | 56 | 1 | Sagan Tosu | |
MF | Eric Johanna Omondi | 18 August 1994 | 37 | 4 | UTA Arad | |
MF | Kenneth Muguna | 6 January 1996 | 31 | 2 | Azam | |
MF | Ayub Masika | 10 September 1992 | 30 | 4 | Nanjing City | |
MF | Duke Abuya | 23 March 1994 | 13 | 0 | Kenya Police | |
MF | Richard Odada | 25 November 2000 | 13 | 1 | AaB | |
MF | Duncan Otieno | 26 May 1994 | 13 | 1 | Lusaka Dynamos | |
MF | Timothy Ouma | 10 June 2004 | 4 | 0 | IF Elfsborg | |
MF | Rooney Onyango | 8 August 2001 | 3 | 1 | Gor Mahia | |
FW | Alfred Scriven | 26 January 1998 | 2 | 0 | Hødd | |
FW | Michael Olunga (captain) | 26 March 1994 | 56 | 24 | Al-Duhail | |
FW | Masoud Juma | 3 February 1996 | 22 | 8 | Al-Jabalain | |
FW | Benson Ochieng | 16 October 2001 | 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 | 28 November 2000 | 5 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
GK | Brian Bwire | 19 June 2000 | 2 | 0 | Tusker | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
GK | Levin Opiyo | 28 November 1992 | 0 | 0 | Leopards | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
DF | Joseph Okumu | 26 May 1997 | 21 | 1 | Reims | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
DF | Collins Sichenje | 19 September 2003 | 3 | 0 | KuPS | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
DF | David Ochieng | 7 October 1992 | 40 | 2 | Mathare United | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
DF | Daniel Anyembe | 22 July 1998 | 4 | 0 | Viborg | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
DF | Robinson Kamura | 30 September 1994 | 3 | 0 | Kenya Commercial Bank | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
DF | Siraj Mohammed | 4 December 1998 | 0 | 0 | Bandari | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
DF | Brian Onyango | 24 July 1994 | 39 | 3 | Mamelodi Sundowns | v. Iran, 28 March 2023 |
DF | Andrew Juma | 7 August 1994 | 1 | 0 | Bandari | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
DF | Maurice Owino | 28 November 2000 | 0 | 0 | KCB | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Alpha Chris Onyango | 23 December 2000 | 0 | 0 | Gor Mahia | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
MF | Victor Omune | 14 February 1993 | 3 | 0 | Leopards | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
MF | Alvin Mang'eni | 8 January 1995 | 0 | 0 | Kenya Police | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
MF | Wilkims Ochieng | 15 February 2003 | 0 | 0 | Levadiakos | v. Iran, 28 March 2023 |
MF | Moses Shumah | 21 December 1994 | 2 | 1 | Kakamega Homeboyz | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Hassan Beja | 13 January 2003 | 0 | 0 | Nzoia Sugar | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
MF | Joseph Mwangi | 6 April 1986 | 0 | 0 | Nzoia Sugar | v. Iran; 28 March 2023 PRE |
FW | Clifton Miheso | 5 February 1993 | 45 | 7 | Gor Mahia | v. Russia; 16 October 2023 |
FW | Hassan Abdallah | 6 July 1996 | 19 | 6 | Bandari | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
FW | Elvis Rupia | 12 April 1995 | 4 | 1 | Kenya Police | v. South Sudan; 12 September 2023 |
FW | Boniface Omondi | 22 November 1994 | 0 | 0 | Gor Mahia | 2023 Mauritius Four Nations Cup |
INJ Withdrew due to injury |
Records
- As of 20 November 2023
- 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 | ||
1966 | Did not enter | Declined participation | ||||||||||||||
1970 | ||||||||||||||||
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 | 0/22 | 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 |