Nairobi, Kenya – Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that he and members of his foreign technical team have been working in Kenya without formal work permits for about 18 months.
The South African coach said the documentation problem has forced him to leave Kenya whenever national team camps end and return when the squad reconvenes.
McCarthy made the disclosure while speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea.
He said he has avoided remaining in Kenya between international assignments because he does not want to risk falling foul of immigration requirements.
“It’s been one and a half years now in Kenya, but we don’t have work permits. We can’t work as illegal immigrants,” McCarthy said.
The coach explained that the absence of permits has shaped his movements since taking charge of Harambee Stars.
“That’s why I come, do my job, then leave when the camp is finished,” he said.
McCarthy said he remains uncomfortable with the possibility of authorities questioning why he is working and staying in Kenya without the necessary documentation.
“I don’t want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally,” he said.
He further questioned why the issue had remained unresolved despite his long-term engagement with the national team.
“I have no reason to be here because I am not legal to be here. It is a big problem to me, but it seems it is not a problem for the people we work for,” McCarthy said.
The coach also placed responsibility for securing the necessary documentation on the organisations that recruit foreign technical staff.
“The people that deploy you must make sure you have them,” he said.
McCarthy took over as Harambee Stars head coach in March 2025 after the departure of Engin Firat.
The coach’s comments shed light on his limited presence in Kenya outside international windows. The documentation issue has made it difficult for McCarthy and his technical team to remain in Kenya between national team assignments.
McCarthy’s absence between camps has previously attracted attention as he prepares the national side for major international assignments.
The work permit issue emerged as Harambee Stars also dealt with a dispute over unpaid player allowances.
McCarthy said some players have gone through four or five national team camps without receiving money they had been promised.
“For four to five camps, not receiving any cent of what was promised, of course as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?” he said.
The coach said the payment delays make his responsibility of managing the squad more difficult.
“Therefore, it becomes hard to manage players who have not been paid,” McCarthy said.
He acknowledged the frustration among the players and said some had been forced to make alternative arrangements as they waited for their outstanding allowances.
With both the coach’s work permit situation and the players’ financial concerns unresolved, McCarthy called for intervention from the country’s football and political leadership.
“The Ministry, the President, the FKF should intervene before it gets worse,” he said.
His comments come as Kenya prepares to host Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on September 26 in the opening match of its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
