# Harambee Stars administrative and financial crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/harambee-stars-administrative-and-financial-crisis
> Updated: 2026-09-26T05:21:01.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Players of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, have boycotted training ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea. The strike is driven by demands for unpaid allowances, specifically Ksh80,000 each for previous matches against Senegal and Lesotho, as well as grievances regarding substandard hotel accommodations and inconvenient flight arrangements.

In addition to the financial dispute, head coach Benni McCarthy revealed that he and his foreign technical staff have been operating without valid work permits for approximately 18 months. This legal issue has forced the coaching staff to leave Kenya immediately following international windows to avoid questioning by authorities, which has prevented McCarthy from scouting local talent.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has acknowledged these financial concerns and stated they are working with the Ministry of Sports to resolve outstanding dues. The federation noted that the Ministry has cleared one outstanding payment related to a previous assignment, with further payments currently being processed.

Despite the training disruptions caused by the strike, the Harambee Stars played their opening Group D match against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Eritrea scored in the 36th minute, but Kenya secured a late equalizer through Ryan Ogam in the 87th minute. While Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as a co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, CAF regulations necessitate participation in the qualifiers. For McCarthy, the campaign remains a means to refine squad tactics and match fitness.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Harambee Stars draw 1-1 against Eritrea in AFCON qualifier

Kenya's Harambee Stars drew 1-1 with Eritrea in an AFCON 2027 qualifier in Nairobi, despite recent training disruptions caused by a player strike over unpaid allowances.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/harambee-stars-draw-1-1-against-eritrea-in-afcon-qualifier

### 2026-09-23: Harambee Stars face permit and payment crises

Kenya's Harambee Stars face administrative crises as head coach Benni McCarthy reveals his staff lacks work permits and players face unpaid allowances ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/harambee-stars-face-permit-and-payment-crises

### 2026-09-23: Harambee Stars players boycott training over unpaid allowances

Kenya’s Harambee Stars players have boycotted training ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, demanding unpaid allowances and better travel and accommodation conditions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/harambee-stars-players-boycott-training-over-unpaid-allowances

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Cite as: Harambee Stars administrative and financial crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/harambee-stars-administrative-and-financial-crisis