The admission by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy that he does not have a work permit has raised questions about his future and how he has been receiving his salary while working without the mandatory documentation.
In a widely circulated video online yesterday, McCarthy appears to criticise the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), even as he is expected to lead Harambee Stars in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers opening Group “D”match against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The former South Africa striker criticised the federation for failing to secure him a work permit one-and-a-half years after he took charge of Harambee Stars. McCarthy was appointed Kenya coach on March 3, last year.
“Even if they take you as a player, players also need permits because you are a foreign national and you need to work. We sat down with the federation over this issue; we sat with the federation about this issue because, for me, that is the biggest issue,” said the tactician.
“The process is ongoing and FKF continues to follow up with the relevant offices to ensure it is concluded,” the federation said
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy during the team's training at Utalii Sports Club on September 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“I always come around, do my job, and go back because I don’t have a work permit. You know when you get tired of saying to someone, please can we do that? You end up with words that come out of your mouth and end up falling on deaf ears. And I think that is where it got to do with the federation and us,” he added.
The outburst comes amid questions from football fans over McCarthy’s continued absence from local matches and his selection of national team players.
McCarthy and his technical bench are rarely seen at Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches, often travelling outside the country and returning only when Harambee Stars have an international assignment.
“So I’m always an immigrant but nobody can kick me out because I have gone through all the right channels to be here. I have a right to be here, I have a right to work. And I expect that everywhere I go. And I came here, and the federation, they had everything,” he added. According to an official who worked under the Nick Mwendwa administration and who requested not to be named, FKF normally arranges a temporary two-month permit when it hires a foreign coach as arrangements for a full permit are finalised.
“That is what we did when we hired the late Engin Firat as Harambee Stars head coach. It raises the question how the government has been paying McCarthy his salary yet he doesn’t have a work permit yet that is a key requirement,” said the official.
Kenya's coach Benni McCarthy reacts on the touchline during the African Nations Championships match against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
“After getting a temporary work permit, you can’t renew it again once it expires. You just have to get a permit which will enable you to be in Kenya and do your work.
“It seems McCarthy is just looking for an excuse to find his way out of the national team. How can you blast the federation when you have only days to an Afcon qualifier?” he posed.
The development comes as Harambee Stars players continue to boycott training ahead of Saturday’s clash demanding allowances of about Sh80,000 for each player.
“Players come first and their welfare comes first, and if they don’t want to respond, then it becomes very hard to do the job. There are promises which were made to them but they have not been honoured and their allowances have not been paid. Five camps, and as a player you have not been paid, with promise after promise. It becomes very hard to manage players like that,” said McCarthy.
The federation said the government had cleared some allowances and players would receive them today.
