AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Kenya players boycott training over welfare and unpaid allowances

Kenya’s national team players have boycotted training ahead of Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea, in protest over welfare concerns and outstanding allowances.

The Harambee Stars reported for camp on Monday but have refused to train after holding a meeting to discuss concerns over the conditions provided during national team assignments.

The players are seeking a meeting with either President William Ruto or officials from the Ministry of Sports to address what they regard as a number of unresolved issues.

One of their main concerns is accommodation, with the squad reportedly unhappy with the standard of hotels used during both home and away assignments.

The players have also questioned the flight arrangements made for them, claiming they are regularly booked on cheaper flights with lengthy layovers despite more convenient travel options being available.

They are also demanding that all outstanding allowances owed to them are paid before they resume training.

The dispute comes at a crucial stage for Kenya, who are preparing for their opening fixtures in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Harambee Stars are in a group alongside South Africa, Eritrea and Guinea, with Saturday’s match against Eritrea scheduled to take place at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The training boycott has raised concerns over Kenya’s preparations, with the dispute needing to be resolved quickly if the team are to have sufficient time to prepare for the qualifier.

Previous national team protest

The latest action is not the first time Kenyan international players have protested over unpaid allowances.

In July, the Harambee Starlets, Kenya’s women’s national team, boycotted their scheduled departure to France for a pre-2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations training camp.

The players staged a protest at the Football Kenya Federation Goal Project offices in Nairobi and refused to travel to the airport until their outstanding allowances were addressed.

They adopted a “no money, no flight” position and declined to board their scheduled flight.

Federation officials said at the time that funding for national team allowances was processed through the Ministry of Sports, with the government responsible for releasing the money.

The latest dispute has once again brought scrutiny on the financial support and welfare arrangements provided to Kenya’s national teams.

With the Harambee Stars beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign, resolving the disagreement will be important to avoid further disruption to their preparations for Saturday’s match against Eritrea.