FKF Responds to Concerns Over Outstanding Harambee Stars Player Allowances

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has moved to address concerns over outstanding payments owed to Harambee Stars Players.  

In a statement on Wednesday, September 2, FKF said the Ministry of Sports has disbursed an outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment. 

The federation noted that the payments will reflect in the players' accounts by Thursday, September 24. 

“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.

“FKF appreciates the Ministry of Sports for its continued support of the national teams. 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,” read the statement in part. 

FKF also said other payments relating to national team preparations and allowances are at different stages of processing.

“FKF is in regular communication with the Ministry and continues to work closely with the relevant offices to have these matters addressed,” the federation said. 

FKF also said it is working with relevant government agencies to address concerns surrounding the work permits of Harambee Coach Benni McCarthy and some members of his technical team.

“The process is ongoing, and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded,” the federation said. 

Further, FKF said it is engaging with the Harambee Stars players, technical team and the Ministry of Sports as the outstanding matters are addressed.

This comes after Harambee Stars players boycotted their training sessions ahead of Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium.

The players’ decision was linked to outstanding allowances and concerns over the conditions they have experienced while on national team duty.

FKF Head of Projects and National Teams Athanus Obango said the players were demanding Ksh80,000 each for the previous matches against Senegal and Lesotho.

The players have also raised concerns over their accommodation during national team assignments, claiming that they have been housed in substandard hotels during both home and away fixtures.

Flight arrangements have emerged as another point of contention, with the players saying they have often been booked on cheaper flights involving lengthy layovers despite the availability of more convenient options.

The players have consequently demanded that all outstanding allowances be settled before they resume training ahead of the crucial qualifier against Eritrea.