Nairobi United midfielder Manzur Okwaro has sealed a move to French Ligue 2 outfit Stade de Reims on an initial six-month loan, with the club obligated to complete a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
Okwaro shot to international attention during last year’s CHAN tournament hosted in Kenya, where he emerged as one of the national team’s standout performers after a successful switch from defence to midfield.
Naturally a central defender, he had previously been deployed mainly at left-back during his spell with KCB FC.
His defining moment came at CHAN when Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, grappling with limited midfield options, opted to use Okwaro in a central midfield role.
The gamble paid off handsomely, with the versatile left-footer delivering eye-catching performances that drew praise from former national team captain Victor Wanyama.
Those displays sparked interest from clubs both at home and abroad, culminating in his move from KCB FC to Nairobi United earlier this season.
Reims have now moved swiftly to secure his services, with an agreement already in place for a four-year contract once his loan spell concludes.
A product of St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale, Okwaro began his career at the now-defunct Rainbow FC before progressing to KCB FC and later Nairobi United.
His journey has included stints abroad, notably a trial with Nantes B in France in 2023 alongside Linus Munyao, and a month-long trial in Sweden in 2024, neither of which resulted in a contract.
On the international stage, Okwaro has steadily risen through the ranks, representing Kenya at U18 and U20 levels before earning his senior debut in 2025.
At Stade de Reims, he is set to link up with Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu, who is currently recovering from injury.
