As the countdown to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to build a formidable Harambee Stars squad. In a strategic move to tap into elite talent abroad, the Federation is set to dispatch a high-level technical team to England in the coming days.
The mission, endorsed by FKF President Hussein Mohamed and overseen by head coach Benni McCarthy, aims to convince several high-profile players of Kenyan descent to commit their international futures to the Stars.
The scouting mission has identified a shortlist of “priority targets” currently playing in the English Premier League and Championship systems. Key names on the radar include:
Zak Vyner (Bristol City): The experienced 28-year-old defender is seen as the “missing piece” in Kenya’s backline. A consistent performer in the Championship, his tactical discipline is highly rated by the technical bench.
Tyler Onyango (Everton): A powerful midfielder with a massive physical presence. Onyango has long been a dream target for Kenyan fans, and the FKF is hoping to finally secure his paperwork.
Ray Robert (Everton U18): The 17-year-old sensation recently made history as the first player to score at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Born to Kenyan parents, the “powerhouse” forward is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Toffees’ academy.
Silko Thomas Otieno (Leicester City): A versatile winger who has been making waves in the Championship. His pace and dribbling ability would add a new dimension to Kenya’s attack.
Sammy Henia-Kamau (Swansea City): Another exciting young talent whose technical ability has caught the eye of the Harambee Stars scouting department.
This aggressive recruitment drive is part of the “Pamoja 2027” vision—a joint hosting effort between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
