Crisis looms for Kenya as Harambee Stars players threaten AFCON qualifier boycott over unpaid allowances

Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been thrown into uncertainty following growing concerns over unpaid camp allowances owed to members of the national team.

The Harambee Stars are reportedly facing a major financial crisis, with players said to be frustrated after going without their camp allowances for the last four national team gatherings.

The outstanding payments, estimated at around $2,000 per player, have reportedly not been settled, creating tension within the squad ahead of the crucial AFCON qualifying campaign scheduled to begin in September.

Sources indicate that some key players have already expressed their dissatisfaction and threatened not to honour future national team call-ups if the issue is not resolved before the qualifiers.

The situation has also reportedly left head coach Benni McCarthy unhappy, with the former South Africa international said to be concerned about the impact the uncertainty could have on team morale and preparations.

McCarthy, who was appointed to lead Kenya’s national team project, is believed to have raised concerns over the working conditions surrounding the Harambee Stars as the country looks to build a competitive side ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Attention is now turning to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who is expected to face questions over the delayed payments and the federation’s handling of the matter.

The growing unrest comes at a crucial time for Kenya, who are preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will serve as one of the three co-host nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

With the tournament providing a major opportunity for Kenyan football to showcase its progress on the continental stage, stakeholders are increasingly concerned that unresolved administrative and financial issues could derail preparations.

The FKF is now under pressure to address the situation quickly, restore confidence among players and technical staff, and ensure the Harambee Stars enter the AFCON qualifiers with the stability required to compete.