Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, is on a rising trend both on and off the field. In the latest FIFA rankings, Kenya improved two slots to position 109, showing new momentum following the hire of new head coach Benni McCarthy.
This is a welcome development for the team, which had been stuck at the 111th position most of 2025. The switch is a reflection of the team’s progress and greater stability since March when it started being led by McCarthy.
National team rankings are calculated by FIFA based on the significance of matches as well as opponents. More points are given for victories against stronger opponents, which has the effect of pushing the teams further up the world table.
Kenya’s neighbors are also keeping up with growth indications. Tanzania made a giant leap to position 103, beating countries like Armenia, Tajikistan, and Comoros. Meanwhile, Uganda remains at the top of the East African region at position 88.
Harambee Stars’ recent revival has occurred in a period of transition, with South African legend Benni McCarthy bringing fresh energy and strategic know-how to the side. Kenya already signaled a change with only four matches under his leadership.
McCarthy’s reign began with a 3-3 dramatic draw against The Gambia on 20th March coming back from 2-0 down. This was followed by a 2-1 narrow loss to Gabon in Nyayo Stadium.
During the June international break, Kenya played out a goalless draw with Chad before securing their first win under McCarthy – a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture. That win boosted team morale and showed the squad is beginning to click under its new coach.
Kenya’s improved FIFA ranking also improved their African ranking. They are currently 26th in the CAF and climbed by one spot, bringing them closer to regional rivals.
The Harambee Stars will now shift focus to the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), which is being hosted by Kenya alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The championship presents a golden opportunity for the team to build on recent progress and play under home support.
Kenya are set to begin their CHAN 2024 campaign on August 3 against DR Congo. As momentum builds and morale increases under McCarthy’s stewardship, the Harambee Stars seek to convert their momentum into a successful campaign on the continental front.
