Nairobi United midfielder Manzur Okwaro has sealed a move to French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims on an initial six-month loan, with an obligation to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Under the agreed terms, the left-footed player will spend the remainder of the campaign in France before signing a four-year contract that has already been finalized between the two clubs.
Okwaro’s rise has been rapid. He came into the national spotlight during last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), hosted in Kenya, where he emerged as one of Harambee Stars’ standout performers. His performances were particularly striking given that he had only recently transitioned from defence into midfield.
Originally a central defender, Okwaro also featured prominently as a left-back during his spell at KCB FC. His major breakthrough came at CHAN after Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, faced with limited midfield options, deployed him centrally — a decision that paid immediate dividends.
His impact at the tournament drew praise from former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.
“I think the surprise for me was Manzur [Suleiman] playing so well. Also, Austine (Odhiambi). People had been thinking you can only do it at club level, but he got his chance, and he did really well,” Wanyama said.
Those performances sparked interest from several clubs locally and internationally, eventually leading to his move from KCB FC to Nairobi United earlier this season.
Nairobi United Director of Operations Osman Khalif confirmed the transfer to Reims and expressed confidence in the midfielder’s future in Europe.
“As a club, our goal is to see our players prosper, and we are happy to see Manzur take this step. He is a young, ambitious player, and we are confident he will succeed in France. There was a lot of interest in him from clubs across Africa and Europe, but we felt, alongside his handlers, that Reims would provide the best environment for his career growth. We wish him all the best,” Khalif said.
Okwaro is an alumnus of football powerhouse St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale. He began his career at the now-defunct Rainbow FC before moving to KCB FC and later Nairobi United.
His journey has also included stints abroad. In 2023, he trained with Nantes B FC in France alongside midfielder Linus Munyao but did not secure a contract. A year later, he spent a month on trial with an unnamed Swedish club, a move that also failed to materialize before he returned home to sign with KCB FC.
At international level, Okwaro has represented Kenya at the U18 and U20 levels before making his senior national team breakthrough in 2025.
At Stade de Reims, he will link up with Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu, who is currently sidelined through injury.