Benni McCarthy explains why he leaves Kenya after every Harambee Stars camp

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy says he leaves Kenya after every national team camp because he and his foreign technical staff have been working without the necessary work permits.

The South African coach says he and members of his backroom team have been in Kenya for about 18 months but have yet to receive the documentation required to work legally in the country.

McCarthy, who took charge of Kenya’s national team in 2025, says he cannot remain in the country indefinitely while operating without the appropriate permits.

“We can’t work as illegal immigrants. I come, do my job, then leave when the camp is finished,” McCarthy said.

His comments highlight an administrative issue surrounding the national team, with the coach saying his decision to leave Kenya after each camp is not related to his commitment to the team but to his legal status.

McCarthy’s comments come as Kenya continue preparations for their international assignments, with the coach seeking to build greater consistency within the Harambee Stars setup.

The former Manchester United striker has also raised concerns about the financial treatment of players called up to the national team.

According to McCarthy, some players have gone through as many as four or five camps without receiving allowances that had been promised to them.

The coach believes such delays can affect players’ motivation and their willingness to make sacrifices for international football.

“Not receiving any cent of what was promised… you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?” he said.

McCarthy’s concerns underline the wider challenges facing Kenya’s national team, where administrative and financial issues have the potential to affect preparations and morale.

For players, international duty often involves travelling, missing club commitments and making themselves available for national team assignments. McCarthy’s comments suggest that failure to honour agreed allowances can create additional frustration within the squad.

The coach’s remarks also raise questions about the arrangements surrounding the foreign members of his technical team, particularly why work permits have not been secured after such a prolonged period.

McCarthy has previously spoken about his ambitions for Kenyan football and the need for the Harambee Stars to develop into a competitive international side.

However, he now says the team must address issues away from the pitch if it is to create an environment in which coaches and players can consistently perform at their best.

The Harambee Stars’ preparations therefore extend beyond tactics and results, with the coach calling attention to the importance of resolving the administrative and financial matters surrounding the national team.

McCarthy’s immediate focus remains on preparing Kenya for their upcoming international commitments, but his latest comments put the spotlight on the conditions under which the national team is being operated.