Boost for Benni McCarthy: Five January 2026 Transfers That Could Strengthen Harambee Stars Ahead of AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy could reap major benefits from the January 2026 transfer window after several Kenyan footballers completed lucrative moves to clubs abroad.

Kenyan football enjoyed a significant morale boost during the mid-season transfer period as a growing number of players secured switches to overseas teams. While Kenyan footballers have traditionally sought opportunities outside the country for better exposure and financial security, the January 2026 window stood out for the calibre of leagues and clubs involved.

Unlike previous windows that mostly saw players move to lower-profile destinations, this period witnessed several young Kenyans earning transfers to competitive European and Middle Eastern leagues. These moves have fueled optimism that Harambee Stars could be far more competitive at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

With roughly a year remaining before the continental showpiece, the exposure, tactical education, and competitive match experience these players are expected to gain could play a crucial role in Benni McCarthy’s preparations. Below are five key January 2026 transfers that could significantly enhance Kenya’s chances at AFCON 2027.

Collins Sichenje

Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje took a major step in his career after completing a move to English Championship outfit Charlton Athletic, ending his two-year stay with Serbian side FK Vojvodina.

The former AFC Leopards centre-back signed a three-and-a-half-year contract after Charlton agreed to pay a reported €1.9 million (approximately Ksh288.9 million) in transfer fees. Sichenje is expected to quickly integrate into his new surroundings, with a potential debut lined up against Queens Park Rangers.

Having already earned eight senior caps for Kenya, the 22-year-old will be keen to translate his experience in England into consistent performances for the national team. Playing week in, week out in one of Europe’s most demanding second-tier leagues could significantly sharpen his defensive awareness ahead of AFCON 2027.

Zak Vyner

Another defensive reinforcement for McCarthy could come in the form of centre-back Zak Vyner, who made a high-profile switch within the English Championship by joining ambitious Wrexham AFC from Bristol City.

The 28-year-old spent his entire professional career at Bristol City, including loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen. However, he opted for a new challenge after declining a contract extension, completing a deal worth around Ksh231 million.

Vyner received a Harambee Stars call-up in 2024 but was unable to make his debut due to passport issues. Nonetheless, McCarthy has publicly stated that the defender remains firmly on his radar. With Wrexham pushing hard for promotion to the Premier League, Vyner’s experience and composure could be invaluable at AFCON 2027.

Manzur Okwaro

Versatile Harambee Stars player Manzur Okwaro also secured a notable move, signing for French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims, where he joins fellow Kenyan international Joseph Okumu.

Okwaro had spent the previous six months at Nairobi United, but Reims moved swiftly to secure his services after monitoring his impressive displays at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Although naturally a defender, Okwaro has shown remarkable adaptability by excelling in central midfield roles.

He is expected to begin his journey with Reims’ reserve side as he works his way into the senior squad. The tactical discipline and technical training in France should enhance his versatility, making him a valuable asset for the national team.

Austin Odhiambo

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo finally realized his long-anticipated move abroad after sealing a transfer to Lebanese powerhouse Nejmeh SC.

The creative playmaker linked up with fellow Kenyans Anthony Akumu and Masud Juma, with Gor Mahia reportedly pocketing Ksh8 million from the deal. Odhiambo will be eager to make an immediate impact in Lebanon and cement his place in the Harambee Stars setup.

Regular football at a continental club like Nejmeh could help Odhiambo mature tactically and mentally, key attributes for success at AFCON 2027.

Amos Wanjala

Although yet to make his senior international debut, defender Amos Wanjala is edging closer to a Harambee Stars call-up after signing for Spanish giants Valencia.

Wanjala developed his game at the Nàstic Academy in Tarragona, following a similar path to Celta Vigo’s Aldrine Kibet. He is expected to start with Valencia’s second team, but his rapid progression suggests a La Liga debut could be on the horizon.

A prospect for the future, Wanjala’s exposure to Spanish football could pay dividends for Kenya, whether at AFCON 2027 or in subsequent tournaments.