Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) by President William Ruto in recognition of his contribution to Kenyan football.

The South African tactician received the honour following a notable year in charge of the national team, highlighted by guiding Harambee Stars to the quarter-finals of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) held in Nairobi.

It marked Kenya’s best-ever performance at a senior international tournament on home soil.

McCarthy, who took over as head coach in March this year, has so far overseen 14 matches, recording six wins, five defeats and three draws.

His tenure has been credited with injecting renewed belief and structure into the team, particularly during the CHAN campaign.

However, his recent outing ended in disappointment after an 8-0 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey.

Ulinzi Stars captain Boniface Muchiri was also honoured with the Head of State Commendation. Muchiri played a key role in McCarthy’s rebuilding process, featuring prominently in midfield and attack as Harambee Stars reached the knockout stages of a major international competition for the first time in their history.

Additionally, a Gor Mahia midfielder who impressed at CHAN, scoring twice during the tournament, was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) for his outstanding performance and contribution to the team’s success.

In a special Kenya Gazette notice, President Ruto stated that the national honours were conferred in recognition of distinguished and exemplary service to the nation across various fields and responsibilities.

Harambee Stars are now turning their focus to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with McCarthy expected to play a central role in shaping the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

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