After years of playing away from home due to a lack of FIFA-approved stadiums, Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is finally returning to Nairobi for a historic match. On Sunday, March 23, 2025, the team will face off against Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. This long-awaited homecoming is not just a sporting milestone—it’s a financial windfall for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which anticipates generating millions in revenue from the clash.
A Financial Boost for Kenyan Football
The FKF is poised to capitalize on the excitement surrounding Harambee Stars’ first home fixture since 2021. According to FKF CEO Haron Ndege, the federation expects to earn approximately Ksh 9.1 million from ticket sales alone. This projection is based on the sale of 22,900 tickets across three pricing categories: Regular tickets at Ksh 300, VIP tickets at Ksh 1,000, and a newly introduced VVIP category priced at Ksh 10,000. The VVIP option, a first for Harambee Stars matches in recent history, promises premium perks such as secure parking, refreshments, and exclusive networking opportunities—catering to top fans and stakeholders eager for a unique matchday experience.
“We have a total of 22,900 tickets, and we are looking at making around Ksh 9.1 million from this game,” Ndege told Mozzart Sports. The decision to sell all tickets online is a strategic move to streamline the process, avoiding last-minute rushes and congestion at the stadium gates. With Nyayo Stadium now cleared to host international matches following renovations, the FKF is banking on a full house to maximize returns.
The Stakes on the Pitch
The financial stakes are matched by the sporting ones. Harambee Stars, led by South African tactician Benni McCarthy, are in a must-win situation as they chase their first-ever World Cup qualification. Currently sitting fourth in Group F with six points from five matches, Kenya trails leaders Ivory Coast (10 points) and second-placed Gabon (9 points). A victory against Gabon, who boast stars like ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, could propel the Stars closer to a historic berth at the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The team’s recent performance—a thrilling 3-3 draw against The Gambia on Thursday, March 20, in Ivory Coast—demonstrated their resilience. Captain Michael Olunga’s penalty, Mohammed Bajaber’s stunning strike, and William Lenkupae’s last-gasp equalizer salvaged a point, setting the stage for an electrifying home showdown. However, defensive frailties exposed in that match will need to be addressed if Kenya hopes to secure three points against a formidable Gabonese side.
Fans: The 12th Man
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has called on Kenyan fans to turn out in droves, emphasizing their role as the “12th man.” In an interview with Flashscore, Olunga said, “I urge the fans to come in large numbers on Sunday against Gabon. They need to give us the support that is really much needed and has been missing. We are looking forward to seeing them again.” The passionate Kenyan football faithful, starved of home internationals for over three years, are expected to heed the call, boosting both morale and ticket sales.
The return to Nyayo Stadium marks the end of a challenging period for Harambee Stars, who were forced to play “home” matches abroad due to substandard facilities. The last competitive home game was in 2021, and a friendly against South Sudan in September 2023 was the most recent outing on Kenyan soil—a 1-0 loss. With the 30,000-seater Nyayo Stadium now refurbished, this match represents a new chapter for Kenyan football.
Beyond the Gate: A Broader Impact
While Ksh 9.1 million in ticket revenue is a significant haul, the financial implications extend beyond the gate. The match is a chance for the FKF to showcase Kenyan football’s potential to sponsors, broadcasters, and international stakeholders. A successful event could pave the way for increased investment in the sport, which has long grappled with funding shortages and infrastructure woes. The federation’s ability to host high-profile matches at home is also a step toward co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania—a goal that hinges on proving organizational and financial competence.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. The FKF must ensure flawless execution, from security to fan experience, to sustain this momentum. Defensive lapses, as seen against The Gambia, could dampen the mood if Gabon capitalizes on Sunday. Moreover, the pressure is on McCarthy, in only his second game as coach, to deliver a result that matches the hype.
For now, though, the focus is on the millions—both in shillings and in fan support—that this game promises to deliver. As Harambee Stars take the field at Nyayo Stadium, the FKF stands to gain not just a payday, but a renewed sense of pride and possibility for Kenyan football. Sunday’s clash with Gabon isn’t just a qualifier—it’s a statement.
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