'Kenyans have been starved'- FKF slammed over Harambee Stars preparation for CHAN

Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed is facing calls to arrange high-profile friendlies for the Harambee Stars in preparation for the highly anticipated 2024 (CHAN), set to take place in August.

The FKF president recently participated in the in Juba, South Sudan, alongside key delegates, including officials from FIFA, CAF, and CECAFA. Following the Mohammed shared reflections on the assembly via his social media platforms.

“Earlier today, I attended the CECAFA General Assembly in Juba, South Sudan – an essential platform for shaping the future of football in this region. The meeting, attended by CECAFA member associations along with FIFA and CAF officials, covered key discussions, from approving the 2025 competition calendar to addressing youth development, women’s football, governance improvements, and more. These deliberations emphasized the council’s crucial role in driving football growth in East and Central Africa. With collective effort and collaboration, I’m confident CECAFA can reclaim its position as a leading force in advancing the sport across the region,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

FKF hopes to leverage the ample time to fine-tune the Harambee Stars quad as well as revisit previously rushed renovations work.

However, Mohammed’s remarks prompted a swift reaction from football enthusiasts, who urged him to prioritize arranging quality matches for

One user expressed frustration at the lack of high-caliber football opportunities at home, writing, “Organize a 3-nation derby in Nairobi to give H-Stars quality competition and build a strong fan base before CHAN in August. Kenyans have been starved of quality football at home for very long due to lack of grounds. . (Do something)”

The calls for better preparation come amidst challenges surrounding the unavailability of key stadiums.

The Kenyan government has been urged to take advantage of the CHAN postponement to fast-track renovation work at Kasarani and Nyayo.

Kenya’s two main stadiums, Kasarani and , were closed for as the country, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, prepares to co-host CHAN 2024. These facilities have been undergoing upgrades to meet international standards, given that the three East African nations are also set to co-host the(AFCON) in 2027.

Due to the lack of suitable venues, Harambee Stars have been forced to play most of their matches abroad.

Some of their AFCON 2025 qualifiers were hosted at Uganda’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, while others took place in South Africa.

Sports Kenya has revealed when both Harambee Stars and FKFPL clubs will be allowed to use Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia once renovations are completed before commencement of CHAN 2024 in August.

The team’s most recent appearance at the , held in Zanzibar, ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage.

Progress is being made at Nyayo Stadium, which has received a preliminary green light from CAF pending minor adjustments, such as improvements to the floodlights.

Kasarani Stadium remains under renovation, raising questions about whether Harambee Stars will have the opportunity to host preparatory matches on home soil for the first time in years.

McDonald Mariga has begun his FKF vice presidency with bold reforms, focusing on player welfare, youth development and Kenya’s AFCON preparations.

As the clock ticks closer to CHAN 2024, football fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see if FKF will heed the call to ensure receive the quality preparation they need to compete effectively in the regional tournament.

The side was in group A with heavyweights Morcco and DRC as well as Angola and Zambia.