Kenyan men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will part ways with head coach Engin Firat following the team’s poor performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed that the Ministry of Sports will invoke a termination clause in Firat’s contract, which required him to lead the team to AFCON qualification to retain his position.

“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,” Murkomen stated.

Ministry to takes action ahead of FKF elections

The Ministry of Sports’ move signals that Firat’s fate could be decided before the December 7th Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential elections. Although the Ministry funds the coach’s contract, Murkomen clarified that the FKF holds the sole authority to officially hire or fire the national team coach.

“When we failed to qualify for AFCON, many people called for the coach’s sacking. However, they don’t realize that only FKF has the exclusive responsibility to hire and fire the coach,” Murkomen explained.

Firat’s uncertain Future

Firat has faced mounting pressure from fans and stakeholders, with widespread calls for his dismissal. Speaking after Kenya’s final qualifier against Namibia, he expressed uncertainty about his future.

“I spoke with President Nick Mwendwa, and if Doris Petra takes over, we will sit down and plan for next year. We have targets, including hosting a tournament in Nairobi. But it’s all football. We’ll see what happens after the elections. I also have a contract, and that’s a reality,” Firat said.

Firat pegs his fate on the upcoming elections

Engin Firat flew to his country on Wednesday 20 November,While the team flew to Nairobi, Firat and his assistants took a flight to Turkey.

Firat said he has a lot to do between now and January when he is expected to resume work with the team.

“I will take just a few days with my family in Turkey and begin preparing for next year. I am considering possibly playing in a four-nation tournament early in the year, especially for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) team,” he said.

Kenya’s AFCON Journey Ends

Kenya finished third in Group J of the AFCON qualifiers, trailing behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe, who secured spots in the 2025 tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco.

The team now turns its attention to the African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off in February, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the tournament from 28 January to 28 February 2025.

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