The government has ordered the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to produce the contract between them and Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said the government was not consulted when the Turk was appointed to the role on September 19, 2021.
His remarks come in the wake of Firat’s claims that he has gone for months without pay.
Speaking after the team’s 1-0 defeat to South Sudan at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on September 12, Firat said he is struggling to explain to his family why he doesn’t send money home even though he is employed in Kenya.
“Despite not being paid my salary, I have on numerous occasions sacrificed and used my own money on administrative matters,” Firat said.
Weighing in on the matter, Namwamba said the government can only honour a contract whose details it has been furnished with.
“We have asked for his contract because we want to understand the terms and conditions outlined in it,” Namwamba said. “The details of Firat’s engagement were not discussed at the meetings we had with the coach and the federation.”
Namwamba promised to discuss Firat’s contentious pay with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) once FKF furnishes him with the details of the contract.
He added that the government would do everything possible to steer Harambee Stars to a maiden World Cup appearance, adding that the friendlies Stars are involved in are part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers in 2026.
“We’d rather lose in a friendly match but identify our flaws and work on them before a big event,” Namwamba added.
Namwamba reiterated that FKF elections will take place on February 24, 2024 as planned, in line with the country’s Sports Act and the federation’s constitution.
“We are determined to rebuild our country’s football under the Talanta Hela structures,” he added.
The CS thanked President William Ruto for hyping the match against South Sudan, saying the move boosted the presence of fans in the stands despite Kenya falling 1-0.
“I’d like to thank Kenyans for turning out in large numbers to support Harambee Stars even though it was a weekday. It demonstrates that we are all yearning for more internationals matches and good performances,” Namwamba remarked.
