Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a new-look squad built heavily on players plying their trade abroad, with 19 foreign-based players earning call-ups in what marks one of the most significant shifts in the national team’s selection approach in recent years.
The squad, assembled for the upcoming international friendlies, reflects a growing trend of Kenyan footballers seeking opportunities outside the country, spreading across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
From Poland and Sweden to England, Norway, and Lebanon, the team now draws from a wider talent pool than ever before.
While the expanded foreign presence signals progress in exposure and professional development, it also presents a fresh test for Harambee Stars head coach McCarthy, who is tasked with molding a cohesive unit from players competing in vastly different leagues and at different levels.
Defensive and Goalkeeping Options Abroad
In goal, McCarthy has picked Faruk Shikalo, who plays for St George in Ethiopia after previous spells with Bandari and AFC Leopards.
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He remains a reliable option, known for his reflexes and presence in the box.
Alongside him is Caleb Okemwa Kramer of ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands, a goalkeeper shaped in a European system and noted for modern attributes such as distribution and positioning, though still pushing for regular first-team minutes.
In defence, Erick Ouma leads the group as the most established player abroad.
The left back, based in Poland with Raków Częstochowa, brings pace, attacking runs and experience at a high competitive level.
On the right, Benni McCarthy has opted for Stanley Wilson, playing for AIK in Sweden, who continues to adapt to top-flight football with physical strength and work rate.
At center back, Alphonce Omija, who plays in Tunisia, provides physicality and strength in aerial duels.
Ronney Onyango, based in Norway, operates as a wingback, offering width and forward runs while still improving defensively.
Deon Woodman, playing in England’s National League with Wealdstone, adds depth from a physically demanding competition, while Sydney Agina, attached to Stoke City, represents a younger defender still developing within a European club structure.
New Midfield and Attack Faces for Harambee Stars
In midfield, Richard Odada anchors the team from Romania, bringing ball-winning ability, tactical awareness, and experience from different leagues.
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Clarke Oduor, Kenya’s latest young sensation playing in England, offers creativity, dribbling, and versatility across midfield roles.
William Lenkupae, currently unattached, retains his place due to his technical quality developed during his time in Australia, though he lacks regular club action.
Further forward, Austine Odhiambo, playing in Lebanon, adds creativity and set-piece delivery.
Zech Obiero, based in England, stands out among the younger players, with strong technical ability and attacking movement.
In attack, Ryan Ogam, playing in Austria, leads the line with his physical presence and movement in the box.
Lawrence Okoth, based in Finland, offers a direct style and strength in forward play.
Job Ochieng, developing in the Real Sociedad system in Spain, continues to grow in a structured academy setup.
Sammy Hena, attached to Hull City, remains a developing forward gaining experience in England, while Micah Obiero, playing in the National League, adds pace and energy after progressing through the Barnet system.
Across the squad, only a few players are fully established at the competitive top-flight level, with many still developing in mid-tier leagues or academy systems.
The call-ups come ahead of two international friendlies in the June FIFA window, with Harambee Stars facing Kyrgyzstan on June 3 before taking on Palestine on June 6.
The matches will be played away in Central Asia and are expected to provide McCarthy with a direct test of the foreign-based core against unfamiliar opposition.
Both Kyrgyzstan and Palestine sit close to Kenya in the FIFA rankings, making the fixtures competitive benchmarks rather than routine friendlies.
