Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is intensifying preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by actively recruiting players of Kenyan heritage based in Europe and the United States.
The move forms a central part of McCarthy’s strategy to build a stronger and more competitive squad ahead of the tournament, which Kenya will co-host.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has already dispatched a high-level delegation to Europe to begin talks with eligible players. The delegation includes FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, NEC member Yusuf Abdallah, and national team manager Nick Kimanthi.
Their mission is to reach out to players with Kenyan roots who could potentially represent the Harambee Stars.
According to Mozzart Sport, Andre Kenete Gitau, a US-born forward currently playing for in Germany, is among the key targets. Gitau has previously represented the United States at youth level, but discussions are underway regarding the possibility of switching his international allegiance to Kenya.
Initial talks are reportedly positive, although no commitment has yet been confirmed.
The FKF delegation is also expected to meet defender Zak Vyner of Wrexham A.F.C.. Vyner was previously called up to the Harambee Stars camp in 2024 but was unable to feature due to passport complications.
McCarthy has reiterated that the defender remains part of his long-term plans.
“I spoke personally to Zak Vyner. With the Championship and the Premier League just starting, he felt it was a bit premature. He did not want to jeopardize his situation, especially since he is in the final year of his contract. I respect that decision as I have been in a similar position myself,” he said.
Another player being considered is midfielder Tyler Onyango, who is currently on loan at Stockport County F.C. from Everton F.C.
“Tyler Onyango is a player we contacted. We reached out to Everton to gather information and ascertain whether the player would be willing to play for Kenya. Unfortunately, I was not able to speak to him personally, but the team manager spoke to his parents and they showed genuine desire for him to represent Kenya,” McCarthy added.
Beyond these names, the Harambee Stars technical bench is also monitoring several other players across Europe who are eligible to represent Kenya.
Among them is Eliot Matazo, the Hull City A.F.C. midfielder who qualifies through his Kenyan mother and is currently working his way back from a long-term injury.
Winger Linton Maina of is another player under consideration. Maina had previously turned down a call-up but is now reportedly open to representing Kenya.
The list of players being monitored also includes Ray Roberts of Everton, Zech Obiero of Tranmere Rovers F.C., Silko Amari Otieno Thomas of Leicester City F.C., and Sammy Henia Kamau from Hull City’s U21 side.
The recruitment drive highlights Kenya’s ambition to assemble a highly competitive squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.