Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the tenure of Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is likely coming to an end, following Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This marks a turning point in Firat’s three-year stint with the national team, a period that has been marred by underwhelming results and growing dissatisfaction among fans and analysts alike. The failure to secure a spot in AFCON has intensified calls for his dismissal, and Murkomen’s recent remarks suggest that this outcome is all but certain.
Murkomen pointed out that Firat’s contract contains a clause that allows for termination if the team fails to qualify for AFCON. The Ministry of Sports, which funded Firat’s contract, will not continue to provide financial support under these circumstances, making it unlikely that he will remain in his role. The Sports CS’s statement highlights that, despite Firat’s contractual rights, the lack of success on the continental stage will prompt the ministry to act on the terms of the agreement, particularly in light of the failure to achieve the key goal of AFCON qualification.
Engin Firat has yet to give a definitive response regarding his future, though he has hinted at a possible continuation if certain political figures prevail in the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections. Firat’s comments suggest that he may remain in the job if the Doris Petra-Nick Mwendwa ticket wins, revealing that his decision is tied to the political landscape within the FKF. If the opposing candidates take charge, Firat appears ready to leave, indicating that his future may depend heavily on the outcome of the elections.
This uncertainty is compounded by ongoing issues with Firat’s salary, which has reportedly been delayed multiple times. Despite being on a substantial contract that reportedly sees him earning Ksh 1.5 million per month, the coach has faced difficulties receiving his payments, with some delays running into several months. This has led to a strained relationship between Firat and the football authorities, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The coach’s contract runs until March 2026, but with the impending FKF elections and the growing discontent over Kenya’s performance under his leadership, it seems increasingly likely that Firat will not see out the remainder of his tenure. His future is now in the hands of both the election outcome and the resolution of his salary disputes, both of which will play a major role in determining whether he stays or goes.
Kenya’s national team, under Firat, has struggled to deliver the promised results, and the inability to qualify for AFCON has heightened the pressure on both the coach and the federation. While Firat remains defiant and seems to believe he can continue if the right political conditions align, it is clear that the outcome of the next few weeks will likely bring significant change to Harambee Stars’ leadership.
Firat’s leadership of the national team has been marked by mixed performances and internal issues, but the failure to qualify for AFCON, which is considered a crucial target, has become the final straw. With Murkomen’s comments and the looming possibility of a change in the FKF leadership, it seems that a new direction for the national team may be on the horizon.
While Firat may hold on for a while longer, depending on the electoral results, the chances of him continuing beyond the immediate future look slim. His reign, characterized by challenges both on and off the pitch, is likely to end with the conclusion of his contract or earlier, as the ministry moves to adhere to the stipulations outlined in his agreement.
