The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has responded to concerns over unpaid allowances owed to Harambee Stars players ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea.
In a statement, FKF said the Ministry of Sports had released funds to settle an outstanding payment linked to an earlier Harambee Stars assignment.
The federation said the funds were expected to reflect in the players’ accounts by Thursday, September 24.
FKF also acknowledged concerns raised by the players over unpaid allowances and the work permit status of head coach Benni McCarthy and some members of his technical staff.
The federation thanked the Ministry of Sports for its continued support of Kenya’s national teams, saying it had confirmed that the pending payment had been cleared and was being processed for disbursement.
FKF added that other payments relating to national team preparations and player allowances were at various stages of processing.
The federation said it remained in communication with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant government offices to resolve the outstanding issues.
On the work permit concerns, FKF said it was working with government agencies to complete the process for McCarthy and members of his technical team.
“The process is ongoing, and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded,” the federation said.
The football body added that it was engaging with the players, technical staff and the Ministry of Sports as efforts to resolve the outstanding matters continued.
The statement followed a decision by Harambee Stars players to boycott training ahead of Saturday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium.
Also Read: Boost As Murkomen Graduates 705 New Police Reservists, Warns Against Misuse Of Firearms
The players’ protest was reportedly linked to unpaid allowances as well as concerns over their treatment and conditions during national team assignments.
FKF Head of Projects and National Teams Athanus Obango said the players were seeking Ksh80,000 each in outstanding allowances from the team’s previous matches against Senegal and Lesotho.
The players have also raised concerns about their accommodation, alleging that they had been placed in substandard hotels during both home and away assignments.
Travel arrangements have similarly become a source of disagreement, with the players complaining about being booked on cheaper flights with lengthy layovers despite more convenient alternatives being available.
The players have called for all outstanding allowances to be cleared before they return to training for the crucial Eritrea qualifier.