The future look of the Harambee Stars and Kenya’s national football teams is now in the hands of ordinary citizens, following an exciting new initiative by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). In a bold and inclusive move, FKF has launched a nationwide jersey design competition, offering Kenyans the unique opportunity to craft the next look for their beloved national teams.
Running from Tuesday, April 1 to Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the competition invites participants to create designs that reflect Kenya’s cultural identity and national pride. The contest is not only a platform for creativity but also a means to engage the public in shaping a vital part of the national football teams’ identity.
Contestants are encouraged to incorporate key cultural and national elements in their designs while remaining true to the primary colors of Kenya’s flag: Black, White, Red, and Green. These colors carry deep symbolic meaning, representing Kenya’s heritage and the country’s unity. The new jerseys are expected to serve as a visual representation of the nation’s values, culture, and history, making them more than just sportswear but a symbol of national pride.
The competition has generated significant enthusiasm, with participants eager to contribute to the creation of a new identity for the national football teams. An independent committee will be tasked with reviewing all submissions and selecting the top three standout designs. The winners will receive cash prizes of up to Kshs150,000, providing an added incentive for talented individuals to showcase their skills.
The winning designs will become the official property of FKF and will be considered for use as the official kits of Kenya’s national teams. This initiative marks an important step in promoting inclusivity and allowing the public to take part in a decision-making process that traditionally involves only a select few.
This move comes on the heels of the unveiling of new kits for the Harambee Stars last year. The previous design, which boldly displayed the country’s flag colors of white, black, green, and red, received mixed reactions from the public. While some embraced the bold statement, others felt the design did not fully capture the essence of the national spirit. By opening the design process to the public, FKF hopes to generate a stronger connection between the fans and the teams, ensuring that the next kits reflect a more collective vision of what Kenya represents.
The competition also comes at a pivotal moment for Kenyan football, as the national team prepares for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament is set to take place this August in a landmark tri-nation collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This event is expected to be a significant milestone for Kenya’s footballing ambitions, offering an opportunity to showcase local talent and foster regional cooperation.
Before the CHAN tournament, however, Kenya still faces a challenging road in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The national team’s prospects of qualifying are slim, with Ivory Coast leading Group F with 16 points, while Kenya trails with six. Despite these challenges, head coach Benni McCarthy remains focused on finishing strong in the qualifiers and laying the groundwork for future success. The jersey competition, in this context, offers a moment of hope and unity, reminding Kenyans of the power of collective action and pride in their national teams.
As the competition progresses, there is excitement about the potential for fresh designs that could inspire the next generation of football fans and players. The involvement of the public in such a significant aspect of the team’s identity represents a new chapter for Kenyan football, one that values inclusivity and encourages everyone to play a part in the team’s journey to future success.
