Charles Okwemba, a former AFC Leopards captain and experienced Harambee Stars midfielder, believes that Kenya’s national football team is at a pivotal moment, and that now is the right time to overhaul the squad with a focus on youth development. Okwemba has expressed his confidence in the upcoming generation of players, urging that they be given the opportunity to lead the team into the future with a fresh face, particularly in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The need for rejuvenation of the national team is underscored by the failure of the current senior squad to make an impact in the 2025 AFCON qualification campaign. Despite the leadership of coach Engin Firat, the team was eliminated from contention after a disappointing draw against Zimbabwe, a result that sealed their fate and left them absent from the 2025 tournament in Morocco. This failure has highlighted the gap between the expectations of the senior team and their performance on the pitch.
Okwemba, who has been a prominent figure in Kenyan football for many years, is adamant that there is still ample time to build a strong and competitive team for the 2027 tournament. He believes that the country’s football structure must focus on long-term development, which includes giving younger players the platform to grow into senior roles. This process, Okwemba argues, will be key to restoring pride in the Harambee Stars and ensuring a more competitive team at the continental level.
One of the key aspects Okwemba advocates for is the integration of junior players into the senior national team setup. This transition, he believes, should be gradual and based on merit. The success of Kenya’s U20 team, which has already qualified for the 2025 U20 AFCON after coming second in the qualifiers in Tanzania, serves as evidence of the growing talent in the country. Okwemba points to players like U20 captain Amos Wanjala, who was recently called up to the senior team for the qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, as examples of promising talents who could play an important role in the future of Kenyan football.
However, Okwemba also cautions that the smooth integration of youth into the senior team will not happen overnight. The development of players should be managed carefully to avoid rushing them into situations they are not ready for, while also ensuring that the senior team is revitalized by fresh blood and new ideas. This balance is crucial for creating a team that is both competitive and sustainable in the long run.
The U20 team’s success, particularly its qualification for the 2025 U20 AFCON, is an encouraging sign for the future of Kenyan football. The tournament, which doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, presents an excellent opportunity for Kenya’s junior team to showcase their potential on the continental stage. Reaching the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON will grant automatic qualification to the World Cup, and the Junior Stars will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.
Okwemba’s call for a generational shift is part of a broader push for a football renaissance in Kenya. He believes that a strategic focus on youth development and talent nurturing could not only help Kenya qualify for the 2027 AFCON but also elevate the national team’s standing in African football. There is a growing sense of urgency among football stakeholders to rebuild the team from the ground up, with a focus on sustainable development and long-term success.
While there are still challenges to overcome, including the need for better management of the senior team and the continued development of grassroots football, Okwemba’s vision provides hope for a brighter future. If the right decisions are made, Kenya could have a team ready to compete at the highest level by 2027, restoring pride in Harambee Stars football and inspiring a new generation of players.
