Kenya national football team


The Kenya national football team, colloquially known as the Harambee Stars, represents Kenya in association football. It is controlled by the Football Kenya Federation, the governing body of football in Kenya, and competes as a member of the Confederation of African Football and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations. The team plays its home games primarily at the Nyayo National Stadium in the capital, Nairobi.

Name

The team's colloquial name, the Harambee Stars, derives from Harambee, a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events such as fundraising and development activities. The word means "all pull together" in Swahili, and is the official motto of Kenya, appearing on its coat of arms.

History

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 fulfil a January 2006 agreement made to resolve recurrent problems in its federation. FIFA announced that the suspension would be in force until the federation complied 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.He left in August 2019
In May 2017, the Football Kenya Federation signed a 3-year partnership with kits manufacturer to provide the kits for all national teams, as well as junior categories. The national team would 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.

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.

2025

2026

Coaches

was appointed the first national team coach in 1961. However, there was dissent regarding his managerial skills, and a revolt among players during a CECAFA Cup game in Zanzibar led to him being forced out. In 1963, not long 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.

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group F against Burundi and Ivory Coast on 9 and 14 October 2025.
''Caps and goals are correct as of 9 October 2025, after the match against Burundi.''

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Kenya squad within the last twelve months.
INJ Withdrew due to injury

PRE Preliminary/Standby squad

RET Retired from the national team

SUS Serving suspension

WD Withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue

Records

Most appearances

RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1Musa Otieno9091993–2009
2Jonathan Niva88101965–1976
3Allan Thigo81111969–1978
4John Nyawanga80171965–1976
5Dennis Oliech76342002–2015
6Robert Mambo Mumba72132000–2009
7Titus Mulama7182001–2012
8Francis Onyiso7001996–2011
9Wilberforce Mulamba68141978–1988
9James Siang'a6801963–1975
9Michael Olunga68342015–present

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1William Ouma35661965–1977
2Michael Olunga34682015–present
2Dennis Oliech34762002–2015
4Elijah Lidonde33261950–1961
5Ali Kajo26321959–1969
5Livingstone Madegwa26491964–1972
7Joe Kadenge25631957–1970
8John Baraza21522002–2011
9Daniel Nicodemus17341963–1972
9Mike Origi17481990–2004
9John Nyawanga17801965–1976

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

African Nations Championship

Africa Cup of Nations

African Games

Honours

Continental

;Notes
  1. Competition organized by ANOCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.