Paul Osama and new wave of Kenyan stars who have sealed European moves
Kenyan football heritage made another milestone on Wednesday, March 25, as Swedish side Enkopings SK announced the signing of Murang’a Seal and Kenyan winger Paul Osama.
Osama, a recognised talent in the FKF PL, adds to the budding youngsters who have joined European ranks from the Kenyan league.
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His switch came months after the Swedish third-tier outfit had announced the signing of Andreas Omondi, a Kenyan U20 midfielder, completing a Kenyan connection at the club.
Osama’s transfer is part of a significant surge in Kenyan players moving to top European development systems, with 2026 seeing a significant rise in transfers. Here are other young talents who have made moves in recent times:
Collins Sichenje – Charlton Athletic: The 22-year-old Harambee Stars center-back signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Charlton Athletic in the English Championship in January 2026.
Described by Charlton manager Nathan Jones as an “aggressive, front-footed center-back,” Sichenje went on to feature for the South West London team before a hamstring injury sent him to the sidelines in March.
Manzur Okwaro – Stade de Reims: Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro joined French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims on a six-month loan from Nairobi United, with an option to buy.
Zak Vyner: Eligible to represent Kenya through his mother, 28-year-old Zak Vyner completed a permanent move from Bristol City to Wrexham AFC. In January 2026, days after Sichenje’s switch.
Vyner has since joined the promotion-chasing Wales team, impressing with an assured performance in A Cup tie against English giants Chelsea FC.
Amos Wanjala: Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala signed with Valencia CF, joining the VCF Mestalla reserve squad in January 2026.
Zech Obiero – Tranmere Rovers: Kenyan international Zech Obiero took a temporary move to English League Two side Tranmere Rovers, joining on loan from League One club Leyton Orient. Obiero has since earned a call-up to the Kenya seniors national team squad.
James Gachago: The 22-year-old Kenyan midfielder joined Estonia’s Viiski JK in 2025.
The 22-year-old Kenyan midfielder joined the Estonian league in 2025, joining the Viiski JK side, which plies the Esiliiga (the second tier of Estonian football).
James Gachago
He made his name while a youngster in Kenya, featuring as the skipper of the Kenya U20 team, having risen through the ranks from youth developmental stages from U13 to U17 with the national team.
Back home, he featured for Ligi Ndogo SC and also had stints in Portugal with Valeo Nazaré during the 2022/23 season as well as a brief sojourn in Scotland with St. Andrews United JFC before securing his move to Estonia.
Jack Onganya – Cádiz CF: Kenyan midfielder Jack Ong’anya joined Cádiz CF Mirandilla, the reserve side of Spanish Segunda División club Cádiz CF.
