Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey has sought Senate intervention over delayed allowances, logistical shortcomings and administrative gaps affecting Harambee Stars players and technical staff.
In a request for a statement from the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, Sen. Cherarkey said concerns emerged during the September 2026 national team camp over unpaid players’ allowances, welfare arrangements and the status of work permits for Head Coach Benni McCarthy and other non-Kenyan technical staff.
“Our national team cannot be expected to compete effectively at international level when players are uncertain about their allowances or when basic welfare and logistical arrangements remain unresolved. These matters must be addressed professionally and on time,” said Sen. Cherarkey.
He wants the Committee to establish the amount owed to players and technical staff from current and previous assignments, amounts already settled and firm timelines for clearing outstanding payments.
Concerns over Harambee Stars players and coach welfare
The Senator has also sought details on accommodation, air travel, transport, training facilities, meals and other logistical arrangements provided during national team camps and international assignments.
Of particular concern is the status of work permits and other documentation for Coach Benni McCarthy and foreign members of the technical team, including when applications were lodged, reasons for any delays and measures being taken to ensure compliance with immigration and employment requirements.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Football Kenya Federation must clearly account for their respective responsibilities. Players and technical staff deserve a system where financing, welfare and administrative requirements are handled before they become a crisis,” said Sen. Cherarkey.
The Committee is further expected to establish mechanisms available to players and staff to raise welfare concerns and measures being undertaken to prevent a recurrence of the problems reported during the September camp.
The request has been committed to the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for consideration.
