Kenya's national team head coach Benni McCarthy has intensified his call for institutional change within the Kenya Football Federation, laying bare the systemic challenges plaguing the Harambee Stars as they prepare to launch their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The former Manchester United assistant coach's public intervention came amid a tumultuous week that saw the national squad boycott training sessions twice while pressing demands for overdue allowances and unpaid salaries—a stark reminder of the organizational dysfunction threatening to derail East African football's flagship program.
During a Wednesday press conference, McCarthy revealed the full extent of the financial crisis afflicting the national program, confirming that he, his technical staff, and the playing squad have collectively endured months without compensation. Beyond the monetary grievances, McCarthy disclosed a separate but equally troubling impediment to his tenure: the absence of proper work permits has forced him to operate in a legal gray zone, creating an untenable situation where he can only execute his responsibilities during scheduled camps before departing the country. "It's been one and a half years now in Kenya, but we don't have work permits. We can't work as illegal immigrants. That's why I come, do my job, then leave when the camp is finished," McCarthy explained to reporters, underscoring the operational constraints that undermine continuity and professionalism.
Speaking to Sporty TV ahead of Saturday's qualifying opener against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium, McCarthy minced no words in holding the federation's leadership to account, warning that consequences must follow administrative negligence. "The people responsible must take accountability, or people must be looking to the fact that heads are going to roll and bring in competent people that will make things happen," he stated emphatically. McCarthy articulated how the cascading effects of these disruptions extend beyond logistics, directly compromising team preparation and psychological resilience. The concentration and mental fortitude required to compete against African opponents are systematically undermined when players are preoccupied with financial uncertainty rather than tactical focus—a disadvantage Kenya, McCarthy insisted, cannot afford given the competitive demands of continental football.
On a tactical note, McCarthy confirmed that striker Michael Olunga will be unavailable for the upcoming qualifiers following injury complications. Olunga, recently returned from serious injury with limited appearances for his club, experienced stiffness and strains detected in scans, prompting the coaching staff to prioritize his long-term availability over immediate squad needs. Kenya faces Eritrea at home on September 26th before traveling to Guinea on October 1st, with both matches forming part of a 2027 AFCON qualification campaign in Group D alongside South Africa and Guinea. Having secured an automatic place as co-host nation alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the Harambee Stars view these qualifiers as preparation for the continental tournament scheduled for June 19th to July 17th.