Harambee Stars are set to part ways with head coach Engin Firat following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the Ministry of Sports plans to activate a termination clause in Firat’s contract, which required him to secure AFCON qualification to maintain his position.
Murkomen acknowledged that he was aware of the agreement between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Turkish coach, which stated that failure to qualify for AFCON would result in the end of the partnership.
“Since the Ministry funded the contract, we will, in light of our failure to qualify, enforce that part of the agreement and stop providing further resources,” Murkomen stated.
Following Kenya’s failure to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, many fans and stakeholders called for Firat’s dismissal.
Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
The coach himself expressed uncertainty about his future after the team’s 1-1 draw with Namibia in their final qualifier.
Kenya finished third in Group J of the AFCON qualifiers, behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe, who secured their places for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
The team will now focus on the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 28, 2025.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
