Nairobi United's Kevin Wangaya/HANDOUT Kevin Wangaya has attributed his impressive resurgence at Nairobi United to faith, discipline and hard work as he sets his sights on earning a place in the Harambee Stars squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the FKF Premier League’s standout performers since joining Nairobi United during the 2026 mid-season transfer window.
Wangaya announced himself in style by scoring on his debut against Bidco United before producing a string of influential displays that helped lift Nairobi United on the league table.
His tally of three goals and three assists in five matches saw him named SportPesa FKF Premier League Player of the Month for April 2026. Speaking about his recent form, Wangaya said mental strength and consistency have played a major role in his turnaround.
“It’s about preparing yourself mentally and working hard every day. For me, the secret is putting God first and staying focused,” he said.
The midfielder added that discipline often determines whether talented players fulfil their potential. “There are many talented players, but the difference comes with who is willing to work harder and remain disciplined even when nobody is watching,” he said.
Wangaya’s career has experienced both highs and setbacks. After progressing through Laiser Hill Academy and Ligi Ndogo before breaking into the senior team at Kariobangi Sharks, he earned a move to Albanian side FK Apolonia Fier.
However, his spell in Europe proved difficult, forcing him to return to Kenya in search of regular playing time. Instead of viewing the move back home as a disappointment, Wangaya treated it as an opportunity to revive his career.
“I saw it as a second chance. My career had been going down, and I felt this was the opportunity I had been praying for. I knew I had to make the most of it,” he said.
His strong performances have also boosted his growing reputation at the international level. As captain of Kenya’s Rising Stars, Wangaya helped guide the national Under-20 side to the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
During the tournament, he became the first Kenyan player to win a Man of the Match award, following Kenya’s draw against Nigeria and was later included in the Group Stage Best XI.
The midfielder now hopes his performances can earn him a call-up to the senior national team as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Wangaya has also spoken openly about his ambition of returning to European football and eventually playing for English giants Manchester United. Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s brightest young midfield talents, Wangaya has earned praise for his creativity, vision and composure on the ball.
His impact has further highlighted Nairobi United’s successful mid-season recruitment, with the club benefiting significantly from his arrival ahead of the new FKF Premier League campaign. Wangaya is now expected to play a central role for Nairobi United while continuing to push for a place in Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars squad.
