Harambee Stars payment and work permit issues are being addressed – Kenya FA

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) says it is working with the government to resolve outstanding player payments and the work permit status of head coach Benni McCarthy and members of his technical staff.

The federation issued a statement on Wednesday after concerns emerged during the Harambee Stars’ training camp ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Eritrea.

FKF said Kenya’s Ministry of Sports had confirmed that an outstanding payment from a previous national team assignment had been cleared and was expected to reach players by Thursday.

It added that other payments linked to the team’s preparations and allowances were at different stages of processing, with the federation remaining in regular contact with the ministry to ensure they are completed.

“The Ministry has confirmed that an outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment has been cleared and is expected to reflect by tomorrow,” the statement said.

The federation also addressed questions over the immigration status of McCarthy and some members of his backroom staff, saying the required documentation was still being processed by the relevant government agencies.

FKF described the work permit issue as an administrative matter and noted that McCarthy and his technical team had continued to travel with the national side for international assignments while also carrying out domestic scouting responsibilities across the country.

The statement comes days after reports of unrest within the Kenya camp, with players raising concerns about welfare and logistical arrangements before preparations resumed.

FKF said it was continuing to engage with the players, coaching staff and the Ministry of Sports to ensure the team’s preparations remain on course.

Kenya host Eritrea in Nairobi on Saturday in their opening Group A match of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.