Kenya has stepped up efforts to strengthen the Harambee Stars squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching out to players of Kenyan descent currently playing in Europe.
A delegation from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has travelled to England to hold discussions with eligible footballers who could potentially represent Kenya at the international level.
The delegation is led by FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga alongside Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy.
The visit forms part of Kenya’s broader preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host together with Uganda and Tanzania.
FKF officials say the mission is aimed at identifying and engaging players with Kenyan heritage who may be eligible to play for the national team, with the goal of strengthening the squad ahead of the continental tournament.
The federation believes recruiting players from the diaspora could add experience and depth to the team as it prepares to compete against some of Africa’s top footballing nations.
Among the players already identified is defender Zak Vyner, who previously accepted a call-up to represent Kenya during the tenure of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat.
However, Vyner was unable to feature for the national team at the time due to delays in completing the necessary documentation.
The defender currently plays for Wrexham A.F.C. in England and is considered one of the players who could strengthen Kenya’s defensive lineup if he completes the process of switching international allegiance.
The recruitment drive comes as Kenya continues to build a competitive squad by combining locally based players with foreign-based professionals ahead of the 2027 tournament.