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Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has criticized Kenya's outdated football infrastructure, highlighting the lack of proper stadiums and training facilities as major obstacles to unlocking the nation's vast football potential.
Sometimes frustrations boil over when the truth is hard to swallow and for Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat the lack of adequate football infrastructure in Kenya is one bitter pill he has repeatedly addressed.
Since taking the reins of the national team in 2021, the Turkish tactician has never minced his words when speaking about the obstacles holding Kenyan football back.
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In his latest assessment, Firat has once again highlighted the stark inadequacies within the country’s football infrastructure, a topic that has sparked controversy and even calls for his dismissal.
However, his blunt truthfulness is a reflection of his belief in Kenya’s untapped potential.
According to Firat, the facilities—or lack thereof—are hindering Kenya from competing at the highest level.
"It’s not good to say it’s bad, because there’s almost no infrastructure at all. Even we, as the national team, don’t have a proper training field, stadiums, or pitches. Everything is, I don't know, 40 years ago or whatever. And this is sad because on the other side you see the potential of the players," Firat said during an interview with Daily Sports.
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Kenya’s lack of internationally approved stadiums has been a glaring issue, forcing the national team to host its 2026 World Cup and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in foreign territories.
does not have a single stadium that meets CAF or FIFA standards and the prospect of playing 2025 CHAN qualifiers in Uganda has become a likely reality as Nyayo Stadium remains unapproved.
Firat’s tenure as head coach has been characterized by his candid assessment of the infrastructural challenges.
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His remarks have occasionally ruffled the feathers of football stakeholders, but he continues to stand firm on his observations.
He emphasized that the slow pace of renovations and development is pushing Kenyan football further behind.
"Kenya has enormous potential, which may never be realized due to a lack of infrastructure, youth development, and scouting beyond Nairobi. It's very difficult to find something," Firat remarked.
"Even the professional clubs, I think nearly 80-90% don't have a scouting [system]. So therefore the real potential of Kenya football is never fully in your hands. But this is not up for debate: Kenyan football has huge potential."
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