The team's colloquial name, the Harambee Stars,[4][5] derives fromHarambee, a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events such as fundraising and development activities. The word means "all pull together" inSwahili, and is the officialmotto of Kenya, appearing on itscoat of arms.[6][7]
FIFA suspended Kenya from all football activities for three months in 2004, due to the interference of the government in football activities. The ban was reversed after the country agreed to create new statutes.[8]
On 25 October 2006, Kenya was again suspended from international football, for failing to fulfil a January 2006 agreement made to resolve recurrent problems in its federation. FIFA announced that the suspension would be in force until the federation complied with the agreements previously reached.[8][9]
Kenya qualified for the2019 AFCON. The head coach at the time,Sébastien Migné, was appointed in May 2018,[10] and since his appointment Kenya has climbed back into the top 100 FIFA ranked nations.[11]He left in August 2019[12]
In May 2017, theFootball Kenya Federation signed a 3-year partnership with kits manufacturerMafro Sports to provide the kits for all national teams, as well as junior categories. The national team would use red jerseys for home matches, white jerseys for away matches, and green jerseys for matches played on neutral venues.[13][14]
On 8 September 2018, Kenya earned a win over 4-time African championsGhana, winning 1–0.[15]
Eckhard Krautzun became the manager of the national football team of Kenya in 1971
Ray Batchelor was appointed the first national team coach in 1961. However, there was dissent regarding his managerial skills, and a revolt among players during aCECAFA Cup game inZanzibar[18] led to him being forced out. In 1963, not long afterKenyan independence was declared, Kenyan internationalPeter Oronge took over coaching duties;[19] however, he disappeared just hours before aJamhuri Day friendly against reigning championsGhana in 1965. His absence was never explained, and Batchelor was called in as an emergency replacement. This match was the team's worst defeat, with a final score of 13–2 against Ghana. At the time, the Ghanaians were a very strong team with a dangerous striker in the form ofBen Acheampong. Two days later, after Batchelor had reorganised the team, the Kenyans and Ghanaians drew in afriendly match.[20]
INJ Withdrew due to injury PRE Preliminary/Standby squad RET Retired from the national team SUS Serving suspension WD Withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue
^Courtney, Barrie."Kenya International matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved1 April 2007.
^Elo rankings change compared to one year ago."World Football Elo Ratings".eloratings.net. 23 November 2025. Retrieved23 November 2025.
^Ng'ethe, Njuguna (1983). "Politics, Ideology and the Underprivileged: The Origins and Nature of the Harambee Phenomenon in Kenya".Journal of Eastern African Research & Development.13:150–170.JSTOR24325584.
^ab"FIFA suspends Kenya".BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation sport. 26 October 2006.Archived from the original on 26 March 2013. Retrieved27 October 2006.
^Wandera, Gilbert (25 October 2006)."FIFA Suspends Kenya Indefinitely". Nairobi: AllAfrica.com – The East African Standard.Archived from the original on 7 November 2006. Retrieved27 October 2006.
4 (19 November 2025)[1]
Kenya 1–1Uganda 
v
Kenya
Gabon
82'
Seychelles
v
v
Equatorial Guinea
v
Ray Batchelor (1961)
Eckhard Krautzun (1971)
Grzegorz Polakow (1979)
Mohammed Kheri (1988–1990)
Gerry Saurer (1992)
Vojo Gardašević (1996)
Christian Chukwu (1998)
Bernard Lama (2006)
Adel Amrouche (2013–2014)
Bobby Williamson (2014–2016)
Paul Put (2017–2018)
Engin Fırat (2021–2024)
Benni McCarthy (2025–present)
ES Sahel
Sogndal
Vojvodina
Young Africans
Lech Poznań
The New Saints
Real Sociedad
VPS
Al-Arabi
Chad, 10 June 2025
Abha
Viborg
Nejmeh SC
Ararat-Armenia
UTA Arad
El Sekka El Hadid
United Kingdom
1978
1986
1990
1994
2002
2014
2018
2011
2016
2020
2024
1957 to
1959
1962 to
1972
1974 to
1982
1994
1998 to
2002
2029
Silver medal (1):1987
