Harambee Stars are back in training for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), slated for August 2nd to 30th, after their recent withdrawal from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania.

A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed the team conducting drills at the Kasarani Stadium annex, signalling their renewed focus.

Meanwhile, the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has openly expressed its dismay following Kenya’s eleventh-hour withdrawal from the Four Nations tournament.

The abrupt pull-out occurred just hours before the competition was set to kick off on Monday, July 21st, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania.

CECAFA Secretary General Auka Gecheo minced no words, terming the move as “unfair” and lamenting the extensive efforts made by the regional body to meet Kenya’s demands.

“We find the withdrawal of Kenya to be unfair, especially after extensive efforts were made to meet the federation’s requests,” Gecheo stated, highlighting the frustration within the regional football fraternity.

The abrupt withdrawal came despite the Harambee Stars having already arrived in Arusha on Saturday morning, ready for their scheduled opener against the hosts, Tanzania.

However, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) later announced the Harambee Stars’ withdrawal, citing advice from head coach Benni McCarthy, who reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the organisers’ preparations.

With the CECAFA matter behind them, Harambee Stars are now fully focused on CHAN 2024, where they are placed in Group A.

They are set to play against Angola, DR Congo, Zambia, and two-time champions Morocco. All their group matches will be played at the Kasarani Stadium, offering the team the advantage of home support.

Here is Kenya’s Provisional CHAN 2024 Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC) , Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) , Bryne Omondi (Unattached).
• Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC) , Manzur Suleiman (KCB) , Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC) , Abud Omar (Kenya Police) , Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia) , Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia) , Michael Kibwage (Tusker FC) , Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police) , Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards) , Kevin Okumu (KCB).
• Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia) , Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police) , Brian Musa (Kenya Police) , Mathias Isogoli (KCB) , Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) , Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia).
• Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police) , Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars) , David Sakwa (Bandari FC) , Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta) , Edward Omondi (Sofapaka) , Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC) , Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz) , Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC).

ALSO READ:Harambee Stars withdraws from CECAFA Four Nations Tournament to focus on CHAN