FKF responds to Benni McCarthy work permit concerns as Harambee Stars boycott training
By Joel Masibo, September 23, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has responded to concerns surrounding Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s work permit status and the growing dispute over unpaid player allowances that has disrupted preparations for Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 23, 2026, FKF acknowledged concerns over both the South African coach’s documentation and outstanding payments owed to members of the national team.
The response came hours after McCarthy revealed that he and some members of his foreign technical staff have been working without Kenyan work permits for about one-and-a-half years.
McCarthy said the situation has made him uncomfortable and explained that he normally leaves Kenya once national team assignments are completed because he does not want to remain in the country without the required documentation.
“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 said.
“I don’t want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally.”
Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services states that foreign nationals undertaking employment in the country require the appropriate permit or pass. A Class D permit covers specific employment for a person with skills or qualifications considered unavailable in Kenya, while immigration guidance states that engaging in employment without the requisite permit or pass is an offence.
FKF says permit process is ongoing
FKF, however, said the matter is being handled with the relevant government agencies.
“FKF is also aware of concerns surrounding the work permits of Coach Benni McCarthy and some members of his technical team,” the federation said.
“The Federation is working with the relevant Government agencies on the processing of the required documentation. The process is ongoing and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded.”
The federation further noted that McCarthy and members of his technical bench have travelled in and out of Kenya while carrying out their duties with Harambee Stars.
“The work permit process is an administrative matter being handled with the relevant authorities,” FKF said.
McCarthy’s comments have brought into focus an administrative issue that has remained unresolved since he took charge of Harambee Stars. He was appointed Kenya’s head coach in March 2025
Players boycott training
The work permit controversy emerged as Harambee Stars players on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, declined to train after reporting to camp ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The players’ action has been linked to outstanding allowances and wider concerns over their welfare and logistical arrangements during national team assignments. Reports indicate that the players want to engage either President William Ruto or officials from the Ministry of Sports before resuming training.
The players have raised concerns over accommodation and travel arrangements, while also demanding settlement of outstanding allowances.
FKF’s Athanus Obango said the players were seeking payment of allowances from the matches against Senegal and Lesotho, with each player reportedly owed about Ksh80,000. He said responsibility for paying national-team allowances lies with the government.
McCarthy has backed his players’ concerns, warning that unpaid allowances were making it increasingly difficult to manage the squad.
“For four to five camps, not receiving a cent of what was promised, of course, as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?” McCarthy said.
“Therefore, it becomes hard to manage players who have not been paid,” he added.
The coach subsequently called on the government and football authorities to intervene.
“The Ministry, the President, the FKF should intervene before it gets worse,” McCarthy said.
FKF says payment has been cleared
In its response, FKF said the Ministry of Sports had confirmed that one outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment had been cleared and was expected to reflect by Thursday, September 24, 2026.
“There are other payments relating to national team preparations and allowances that are at different stages of processing,” FKF said.
The federation added that it was in regular communication with the Ministry and working with relevant offices to resolve the outstanding issues.
“The Federation appreciates the Ministry’s engagement and commitment to resolving the outstanding payments and will continue to work with the Ministry to ensure the national team’s needs are addressed.”
Eritrea match under spotlight
The developments come just three days before Kenya face Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, September 26.
Kenya are using the 2027 AFCON qualifiers as competitive preparation despite already having a place at the tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. CAF lists Eritrea as Kenya’s opening opponent, with Guinea the next opponent on October 1, 2026.
FKF said it remains focused on ensuring the team prepares for the two assignments.
“FKF remains focused on supporting Harambee Stars as the team prepares for its upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignments.”
“The Federation is engaging with the players, technical team and the Ministry of Sports as the outstanding matters are addressed,” it added.
The federation said it appreciated the support of the Ministry, players and technical team and would continue working with all stakeholders to keep the team’s preparations on course.