Govt says previous Harambee Stars allowances have been cleared after players’ training boycott
By William Muthama, September 24, 2026The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has said it has honoured its financial commitments to Harambee Stars players and technical staff following a training boycott over concerns about unpaid allowances.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Ministry, through Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, said it had cleared allowances relating to the team’s previous assignments in Zambia, South Africa and Turkey, as well as the Under-20 CECAFA assignment in Tanzania.
The Ministry also said it had addressed outstanding salaries for the Harambee Stars technical bench through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and directly to the respective members of the national team.
Ministry responds to players’ concerns
The Ministry said it had taken note of the concerns raised regarding the welfare and allowances of the players.
“We recognise that the welfare of our players and technical teams is fundamental to effective preparation, performance, and the honour of representing our country,” the Ministry said.
The government said it has consistently supported Harambee Stars and other national teams during their international engagements.
“The Government has consistently supported Harambee Stars and our other national teams in their international engagements, including facilitating preparations, travel, accommodation, allowances and technical support,” the statement said.
Government says previous allowances were paid
The Ministry said concerns relating to player welfare should be addressed promptly while also observing the procedures governing public resources.
“It is therefore important that concerns relating to player welfare are addressed promptly, while also remaining within the established administrative and accountability frameworks governing the use of public resources,” it said.
The Ministry then listed several previous assignments for which it said financial commitments had been honoured.
“We wish to clarify that, as of today, the Ministry has honoured its financial commitments relating to previous assignments, including allowances for Harambee Stars engagements in Zambia, South Africa, Turkey, the Under-20 CECAFA assignment in Tanzania,” the statement said.
It added that outstanding salaries for the Harambee Stars technical bench had also been addressed.
The Ministry said the payments had been made both through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and to the respective members of the national team.
Some payments still pending
Despite the clarification, the Ministry acknowledged that some payments relating to subsequent assignments could still be pending.
“Any payments relating to subsequent assignments that may still be pending are undergoing the requisite administrative processes in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF),” it said.
The statement did not specify the amount involved in the pending payments.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders to continue engaging through the appropriate channels to resolve any outstanding issues.
“At this critical stage of our preparations, Government expects all parties to continue engaging constructively and through the appropriate channels so that administrative matters do not unnecessarily disrupt the team’s preparations or shift focus from the important task ahead,” the statement said.
The government said it remained committed to ensuring the team receives the support required ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifier.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of the players and technical team as Kenya prepares for the PAMOJA AFCON 2027 tournament.
The statement comes as Harambee Stars focus on their preparations for the upcoming qualifier against Eritrea, with the government urging stakeholders to resolve administrative matters without further disrupting the team’s preparations.