FKF president Hussein Mohamed exchanges pleasantries with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy/HANDOUT Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has moved to address concerns over unpaid Harambee Stars allowances and the work permit status of head coach Benni McCarthy and members of his technical staff, amid growing unease in the national team camp.
In a statement, the federation acknowledged concerns surrounding the team’s preparations, particularly outstanding payments and documentation for the foreign technical staff.
“Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken note of concerns raised over the ongoing Harambee Stars camp, particularly on outstanding payments and the work permit status of head coach Benni McCarthy and some members of his technical team,” the federation stated.
The statement came after McCarthy expressed severe dissatisfaction with the situation, revealing that he and members of his technical staff have been working without work permits for one-and-a-half years.
The South African coach said the documentation issue was his biggest concern and that it had made him uncomfortable working in Kenya without the required authorisation. “I don't want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally,” McCarthy told reporters.
He said the absence of work permits also meant he and his staff had to leave Kenya immediately after international assignments, limiting their ability to remain in the country and monitor domestic matches and players.
McCarthy further pointed to the financial difficulties facing his squad, saying players had gone through four to five training camps without receiving promised allowances. “For four to five camps, not receiving any cent of what was promised... as a human being, you will be like, is it worth it?” he said.
The coach said the situation had made it increasingly difficult to manage a squad affected by what he described as repeated unfulfilled promises.
The concerns have also spilt into the current camp, with players reportedly boycotting training over unpaid allowances ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea. FKF said an outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment had been cleared through the Ministry of Sports and was expected to reach the players by Thursday.
“The Ministry has confirmed that an outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment has been cleared and is expected to reflect by tomorrow,” the federation said.
However, FKF acknowledged that other financial obligations remain pending, including payments connected to national team preparations and allowances. “There are other payments relating to national team preparations and allowances that are at different stages of processing,” the federation explained.
The federation said it remains in regular communication with the ministry and relevant government offices to resolve the outstanding payments.
On the work permit issue, FKF said it is processing the required documentation in consultation with government agencies.
“The Federation is working with the relevant Government agencies on the processing of the required documentation,” it said. “The process is ongoing, and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded.”
FKF also noted that McCarthy and members of his technical bench have travelled in and out of Kenya with the national team for international assignments despite the pending documentation.
“In the course of their work with Harambee Stars, the coach and members of the technical bench have travelled in and out of Kenya with the national team for its international assignments,” the federation said.
The issue has also affected the technical team's wider role, with McCarthy saying the lack of documentation makes it difficult for him and his staff to remain in Kenya and monitor the domestic game. FKF maintained that the work permit matter is administrative and separate from the technical team's responsibilities, which include scouting and monitoring players across the country.
“The work permit process is an administrative matter being handled with the relevant authorities,” FKF stated. “Separately, the technical team's responsibilities extend beyond national team camps and include monitoring the domestic game and players across the country.”
With Kenya preparing for its upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignments, FKF said it remains focused on keeping the team’s preparations on course. “FKF remains focused on supporting Harambee Stars as the team prepares for its upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignments,” the federation emphasised.
The federation concluded by appreciating the support of the Ministry of Sports, players, and the technical team as efforts to resolve outstanding financial and administrative issues continue. “FKF appreciates the support of the Ministry of Sports, the players and the technical team and will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that the team's preparations remain on course.”
