Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has claimed he has not been paid for 11 months, further complicating the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Kenyan national football team.
Speaking to renowned sports journalist Eric Njiru, Firat expressed frustration over the situation, stating that Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is well aware of the issue.
Despite reports that Firat may be dismissed following Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Turkish tactician has indicated his intention to return to Kenya in December to prepare the team for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), unless otherwise directed.
CS Murkomen on Wednesday pointed out a clause in Firat’s agreement with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which stipulates that failure to qualify for AFCON would result in the coach’s disengagement.
While the government funds the coach’s salary, Murkomen emphasized that the FKF retains exclusive authority to hire and fire coaches.
In a statement on Wednesday, Murkomen said, “I am aware of the agreement between FKF and the coach, which stipulates that failure to qualify for AFCON would lead to disengagement. Since the ministry funded the contract, we will, given the circumstances of our failure to qualify, implement that part of the agreement and cease providing further resources.”
Firat has managed the Harambee Stars since 2021, with a record of just three competitive wins.
Kenya’s failure to progress from Group J of the AFCON qualifiers—finishing third behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe—has led to mounting pressure for his dismissal.
The FKF, currently in the midst of heated elections, may leave the decision on Firat’s fate to the new leadership to be elected on December 7.
Should Firat be relieved of his duties, FKF will face the urgent task of appointing a new coach as Kenya prepares to co-host the CHAN tournament in February 2025.
However, the financial and administrative challenges, highlighted by Firat’s claims of unpaid wages, raise questions about the federation’s preparedness for the task ahead.
