FKF declares entire Junior Stars technical bench vacant

In a circular dated October 8, 2025, FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege announced that following a technical review by the Football Development Directorate, the federation had resolved to advertise and fill all technical positions in line with CAF and FIFA coaching standards.

The vacant positions include Head Coach (CAF A License mandatory), Assistant Coach (CAF B License minimum), Goalkeeper Coach (CAF C License minimum), Team Manager, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapist, Performance Analyst/Video, and Safeguarding Officer.

Ndege emphasised that the recruitment process must strictly adhere to CAF/FIFA licensing and eligibility standards, prioritize candidates with proven youth development experience, and be concluded no later than October 20, 2025.

This timeline, he said, is intended to ensure adequate preparation ahead of the AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, scheduled for November 15–30, 2025, in Tanzania.

“The process shall be conducted transparently and conclude in time to allow sufficient preparation ahead of the qualifiers,” read part of the circular.

Kenya is among 10 nations that have confirmed participation in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 CECAFA Qualifiers to be hosted in Tanzania in November. The other participating countries are Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, and Djibouti.

The Junior Stars will be hoping for an improved performance in the regional tournament, where they have shown flashes of promise in past editions. Kenya’s best performance came in 2007, when they finished third, followed by a fourth-place finish in 2018.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Vice President McDonald Mariga are expected to oversee the transition process, as the federation looks to assemble a competent technical team capable of nurturing young talent and guiding Kenya back to continental competitiveness at the youth level.

With the qualifiers fast approaching, FKF’s timely action signals intent to strengthen the youth setup — a crucial step toward rebuilding Kenya’s football future through structured development and professional technical management.