Engin Firat, the head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, has resigned after three years in charge. The Turkish coach’s decision comes amidst mounting pressure from fans and stakeholders following Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Firat reportedly tendered his resignation on Wednesday, December 11, citing remarks by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who announced that the government would no longer fund the coach’s salary due to unmet performance targets.
“We were the ones funding the coach as a Ministry,” Murkomen stated. “Since the contract stipulates that failure to qualify for AFCON requires his exit, we will not remit any further funds. If the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wants to retain him, they must finance his salary independently.”
Firat confirmed his departure in an interview with Flashscore, saying, “I’ve terminated my contract after this CS (Murkomen) talked so much about me, but let FKF make the announcement.”
As of this report, the FKF has yet to issue an official statement regarding Firat’s resignation.
A Tenure of Mixed Results
Firat assumed leadership of the Harambee Stars in 2021, succeeding Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee. Over 23 matches, he managed seven wins, seven draws, and nine losses. His debut match ended in a 5-0 loss to Mali during a World Cup qualifier, but he also led the team to significant milestones, such as their first-ever trophy at the Four Nation Tournament
However, his tenure was plagued by inconsistency, including struggles in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and lackluster results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Notable setbacks included draws against teams like Burundi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, raising questions about the team’s progress under his guidance.
Kenyan Football at a Crossroads
Firat’s resignation comes amid a period of upheaval in Kenyan football. Just days ago, Nick Mwendwa, the long-serving FKF President, was ousted in a controversial election, with Hussein Mohammed taking over. Firat’s exit adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Kenyan football.
The FKF now faces mounting pressure to rebuild the Harambee Stars, especially as Kenya prepares to host the CHAN tournament. The spotlight is on FKF’s next move, with questions lingering about the future of the national team and its aspirations for regional and continental success.
The resignation marks a turning point, signaling the need for decisive leadership and a clear vision for the development of Kenyan football.
