Kenya President rewards Benni McCarthy after CHAN campaign

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy was among those honoured by President William Ruto during Jamhuri Day, a day celebrated to mark when the East African nation became an independent country.

The South African legend was conferred the top honour after a stellar year in which he led the national team to the quarters of the 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) co-hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Congratulations Coach Benni McCarthy! During Jamhuri Day celebrations, the head coach was honoured by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in recognition of his commendable work with the national team highlighted by Kenya’s run in CHAN pic.twitter.com/lvOpEnrqxo

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) December 13, 2025

During the CHAN, Kenya under McCarthy enjoyed a steller performance in the group stages, beating past winners Morocco, and DR Congo to top their group and qualify for the knockout stages with an unbeaten run.

However, their journey ended in the knockout stages after losing on penalties to Madagascar. Also awarded a HSC was Ulinzi Stars captain Boniface Muchiri, while Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo was conferred the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW).

Beldine Odemba was honoured for steering Starlets

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed took to his social media pages to congratulate the trio and praise President Ruto for recognising the success of footballers in the country.

“Congratulations to Harambee Stars Benni McCarthy on being awarded the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) for his outstanding leadership and guidance of the national team during CHAN 2024,” wrote Mohammed.

Today, our Harambee Starlets coach was honored by the President @WilliamsRuto with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), after guiding the team to their second WAFCON qualification.

A proud moment for the Starlets and for Kenya.

Congats Coach 👏 pic.twitter.com/NefpB6ghJ4

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) December 12, 2025

“This recognition reflects the hard work, discipline and belief instilled in the Harambee Stars, and is a proud moment for Kenyan football.”

Mohammed added: “I also wish to sincerely thank the Government of Kenya, led by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto for recognising the important role football plays in our society and for the continued support towards the growth and development of the game in our country.

“Together, we will keep building a stronger future for Kenyan football.”

In the women’s arena, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba and striker Mwanalima Adam (Dogo) were also honoured with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) respectively.