The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has responded to concerns over Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s work permit status, confirming that the South African coach and some members of his technical team are yet to receive the required documentation.
The federation said it is working with relevant government agencies to have the permits processed, amid revelations by McCarthy that he and members of his technical bench had spent about one-and-a-half years working in Kenya without permits.
“FKF is also aware of concerns surrounding the work permits of Coach Benni McCarthy and some members of his technical team,” the federation said in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23 and obtained by Vantage Ke.
“The Federation is working with the relevant Government agencies on the processing of the required documentation. The process is ongoing and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded.”
McCarthy had earlier disclosed that the prolonged absence of work permits had left him uncomfortable about his legal status in Kenya.
The coach explained that he normally leaves the country after completing Harambee Stars assignments and returns when another national team camp begins because of the lack of the required documentation.
FKF, however, noted that McCarthy and members of his technical team had travelled in and out of Kenya with Harambee Stars during international assignments.
“In the course of their work with Harambee Stars, the coach and members of the technical bench have travelled in and out of Kenya with the national team for its international assignments,” FKF said.
The federation described the matter as an administrative process being handled by the relevant authorities.
It further noted that the technical team's responsibilities extend beyond national team camps, including monitoring domestic matches and players across the country.
McCarthy had also questioned why foreign coaches were working without the necessary permits, arguing that the responsibility should fall on those who bring them into the country. “The people that deploy you must make sure you have them,” he said in a recent interview.
Players' Unpaid Allowances
The work permit concerns came alongside complaints over outstanding payments owed to Harambee Stars players and the technical team.
McCarthy revealed that some players had gone through four or five national team camps without receiving allowances they had been promised.
He called for intervention to resolve the outstanding payments, saying the situation was making it difficult for him to manage players who had not been paid.
FKF said the Ministry of Sports had confirmed that an outstanding payment relating to a previous Harambee Stars assignment had been cleared and was expected to reflect by Thursday, September 24.
“There are other payments relating to national team preparations and allowances that are at different stages of processing,” FKF said.
The federation added that it was in regular communication with the Ministry and relevant government offices to resolve the outstanding payments.
FKF said it remained focused on supporting Harambee Stars as the team prepares for its upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying assignments.
The federation added that it was engaging the players, technical team and Ministry of Sports as the outstanding work permit and payment issues are addressed.
