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2pc or less have had Covid jabs in many African nations: WHO

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 10:50:01 +0000

2pc or less have had Covid jabs in many African nations: WHO

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admin Sat, 10/09/2021 - 10:50

Friday, October 1, 2021

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2pc or less have had Covid jabs in many African nations: WHO

Brazzaville, Congo, Oct 1 – Just two percent of the population, or less, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus in half of the countries in Africa, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.

Fifteen of the continent’s 54 nations have managed to vaccinate at least 10 percent of their people, achieving the global goal for September 30, set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy-setting body.

“The latest data shows modest gains but there is still a long way to go to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of the population by the end of the year,” said Richard Mihigo, the World Health Organization’s vaccination coordinator in Africa.

Shipments of the vaccine have been increasing “but opaque delivery plans are still the number one nuisance that hold Africa back,” said Mihigo.

A total of 23 million vaccine doses arrived in Africa in September, a 10-fold increase from June.

Half of the 52 African countries that have received COVID-19 vaccines have fully vaccinated just two percent or less of their populations, the WHO said.

Most of the African countries that have met, or bettered the 10 percent goal have relatively small populations.

The islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles have managed to fully vaccinate over 60 percent of their populations, according to the WHO data.

In Morocco, 48 percent of the population have received two Covid-19 jabs while the figures are above 20 percent in Tunisia, Comoros and Cape Verde.

“All these countries have enjoyed sufficient supplies of vaccines, and many could access doses from separate sources in addition to those delivered through the global Covax facility,” the WHO said.

Covid-19 case numbers in Africa dropped by 35 percent to just over 74,000 in the week to September 26.

Almost 1,800 deaths were reported across 34 African countries in the same period.

“Despite the declining case numbers we must all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the proven public health and safety measures that we know save lives, such as wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly and physical distancing, especially while vaccination rates remain low,” Mihigo told a virtual press conference.

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Regional disease control collaborating centre to be based in Nairobi unveiled

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 10:50:01 +0000

Regional disease control collaborating centre to be based in Nairobi unveiled

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admin Sat, 10/09/2021 - 10:50

Friday, October 1, 2021

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Africa – Capital News

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Regional disease control collaborating centre to be based in Nairobi unveiled

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – Regional health officials have officially unveiled the Eastern Africa Regional Collaborating Centre (EA-RCC) in a move aimed at stepping up the fight against emerging and re-emerging disease threats in the region.

The centre to be based in Kenya has been operating within the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC) framework with an objective to ensure effective preparedness and response to current public health threats in the context of COVID 19 and beyond.

Speaking in Nairobi during the event, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe expressed optimism that the centre will strengthen the capacity, capabilities and partnerships of Africa’s public health institutions to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks in the continent.

“The opportunity to collaborate in disease control is something we have been looking forward to doing and I believe the center will have a positive impact not just in the region or our continent but also the world at large,” he said.

The Health CS appealed for cooperation between member states covered by each of the centers and the centers themselves saying it would enable collaboration across the entire continent.

“As we know, challenges affecting different countries on the continent, regardless of the regions they may be in, could very well manifest themselves in other countries in the different regions, hence the need to ensure collaboration is escalated beyond a region as may be necessary,” said Kagwe.

The new center which will be based in Kenya seeks to ensure effective preparedness and response to current public health threats in the context of COVID 19 and beyond/MoH

Kagwe said that there was need for collaboration to ensure quality information and data at all levels to ensure that all public health decisions are guided by evidence-based policies and guidelines.

He further stated that he hoped Africa CDC and EA-RCC will continue to offer a platform for networking public health assets in the region and also interlinking centers of excellence to strengthen knowledge management and public health practices.

The Health CS further noted that the outbreak of coronavirus in March 2020 had resulted to the rise in health and economic challenges in the continent, adding there was need for early disease detection and prevention to avoid a repeat of the same.

“COVID-19 pandemic is indeed a stark illustration of how the undetected transmission of pathogens across borders can quickly transform a local disease outbreak into a regional health emergency or even a global crisis. The current situation underscores the importance of strengthening regional disease surveillance systems and emergency-response capabilities across the continent,” he said.

Kagwe further said that there was a growing pressure on governments and regional bodies to safeguard the health of Africa and the world adding that policies must be put in place to ensure that continental institutions can swiftly detect and effectively address disease outbreaks anywhere before they become a threat everywhere.

He added that regional laboratory that will also be established will undertake genomic sequencing to better understand diseases with multiple variants such COVID-19.

“Besides, I expect that the center will also collaborate with our other research institutions including the Kenya Medical Research Institute, The Kenya Institute of Primate Research and all other research bodies whose work will be complimentary to that of the regional collaboration center. It should also act as a reference and referral laboratory for the region. At the center of all these efforts is the ultimate goal of ensuring we approach seeking solutions to our health challenges differently, together,” he said.

African Union Commission representative Amira Elfadil who also spoke at the event lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for the strides the country had made in the health sector.

She thanked all the stakeholders and partners in the region including IGAD, WHO and COMESA for their role in ensuring the success of the newly unveiled center and addressing health challenged in the region.

Elfadil said the RCC has supported several initiatives in the East Africa Region since its establishment including the establishment of a functioning office in Nairobi and has supported the member states in Covid-19 preparedness and response.

Africa CDC Director John Nkengasong said that there was need to redesign the health security apparatus locally, regionally and globally.

He added that COVID-19 outbreak had shown the need for the region to enforce laboratory networks and commit to strengthening health systems.

EA-RCC coordinates Africa CDC partnerships and activities in the 14 Member States in the Eastern Africa Region and has been involved in strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems and public health communications in the region.

The official unveiling of EA-RCC brought together officials from Tanzania, Uganda,Djibouti, Rwanda, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Eritrea and Ethiopia, some of whom attended the event virtually.

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Aston Villa flop Samatta to face Kenya

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 07:50:01 +0000

Aston Villa flop Samatta to face Kenya

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admin Sat, 02/27/2021 - 07:50

Saturday, February 27, 2021

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Nairobi News

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Aston Villa flop Samatta to face Kenya

Aston Villa flop Mbwana Samatta and fellow-big name striker John Bocco headline a star-studded squad named by new Tanzania coach Kim Poulsen for two friendly matches against Kenya in March. Poulsen who replaced Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije this month has also summoned Simba goalkeeper Aishi Manula and attacker Thomas Ulimwengu for this contest in Nairobi aimed at fine-tuning the Taifa Stars squad ahead of the remaining 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Equatorial Guinea and Libya. Also making the cut ahead of this derby are Simba SC players Erasto Nyoni, Jonas Mkude, and Mohamed Hussein, alongside Yanga duo Bakari Mwamnyeto and Metacha Mnata. Samatta is Tanzania's poster boy. He scored and set up another goal when Tanzania lost 3-2 to Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He is also remembered in local circles for both winning the Caf Champions League during his stint at Congolese club TP Mazembe, being named best Africa-based player, and topping the scoring charts in Belgium before struggling to make an impact following a high-profile transfer to England. He is currently on loan in Turkey, at Fenerbeche, where he plays alongside German midfielder Mesut Ozil. On the other hand, Kenya coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee is yet to name his foreign-based squad for this game, but the locally based group has the likes of AFC Leopards forward Elvis Rupia and Gor Mahia's Benson Omala. Harambee Stars are virtually out of the running to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon following a below-par performance against Comoros in November, but still have matches at home to Egypt and away to Togo lined up.

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Olunga voted Outstanding athlete in 2020

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:40:01 +0000

Olunga voted Outstanding athlete in 2020

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admin Sun, 02/21/2021 - 14:40

Sunday, February 21, 2021

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Nairobi News

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Olunga voted Outstanding athlete in 2020

Michael Olunga has shared his excitement after he was named the Outstanding Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) in 2020. The Kenyan forward has also appreciated his teammates and fans for the support." "(I am) Happy to have been named outstanding Sports Personality of the Year in 2020. I thank God for all His blessings. Thanking my family, teammates, and everyone who in one way or the other helped me achieve this feat," he wrote on Twitter. The Qatar-based footballer Olunga was feted in absentia during the annual Sports Personality of the Year awards held in Naivasha on Saturday as he is away in Doha on duty. His younger sibling Victor collected the award. Despite a Covid-19 ravaged sports season, Olunga outscored all the players in Japan's top-flight league in 2020, finding the back of the net a record 27 times. The feat earned him a big-money move, estimated at Sh1 billion, to top Qatari club Al Duhail SC. Olunga was however unavailable for national team duty in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches at home and away to Comoros owing to the challenges in travel from Japan to Kenya associated with the novel virus. But he will be hoping to lead Kenya in the remaining matches of the competition against Egypt at home and Togo away in March, plus the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers where Kenya has been pooled alongside Rwanda, Uganda, and Mali.

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Calabar: I will not celebrate if I score against Gor Mahia

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 02:00:01 +0000

Calabar: I will not celebrate if I score against Gor Mahia

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admin Sat, 02/13/2021 - 02:00

Friday, February 12, 2021

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Nairobi News

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Calabar: I will not celebrate if I score against Gor Mahia

Former Gor Mahia defender David 'Calabar' Owino who is now attached to Zambia's Napsa Stars concedes he is keen to eliminate his former club from the Caf Confederation Cup. But the veteran defender adds he will not celebrate if he scores against his former club. Gor and Napsa will face-off at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday in the opening leg of the continental tournament's playoffs. The rematch is primed for Lusaka on February 22. "I don't think I will celebrate if I score against Gor Mahia because I have a lot of respect for the team. The club made me who I am today, they released me when there was interest from (my former club) Zesco United and gave me blessings," said Calabar in an interview with his club's Youtube channel. But the Harambee Stars players also insists there will be no emotions when he faces his former club." We are in business and this is work. I played for Gor Mahia for three years but I moved on and I am at Napsa Stars and there is now an opportunity to play my former club. As a player, what matters is to do your best for the current team." "There is a lot at stake, we want to qualify, my national team coach will be watching, he wants to see what I will do, so I will do my best." Gor Mahia defeated Rwanda's APR in the opening stage of the Caf Champions League this season but got thrashed by Algeria's Belouizdad and got relegated to this stage of the tournament. Napsa meanwhile thrashed Comoros outfit Ngazi and also eliminated Mozambique's UD Songo to get progress to this stage of the competition. The aggregate winner of this game will not only progress to the group stage of this continental event but also be awarded Sh30 million in prize money by the tournament organizers.

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Wanyama: Life under Mourinho was ‘tough’ at Tottenham

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:00:01 +0000

Wanyama: Life under Mourinho was ‘tough’ at Tottenham admin Mon, 02/08/2021 - 08:00

Monday, February 8, 2021

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Nairobi News

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Wanyama: Life under Mourinho was ‘tough’ at Tottenham

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama admits he asked to leave Tottenham after a frustrating spell at the sidelines.

The 29-year old ended his five-year stay at the English Premier League club in favour of Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact on a free transfer in March 2020.

And speaking to media personality Carol Radull on the Radull Live Show, the midfielder, who currently is in the country on holiday, added his decision was influenced by his lack of game time under coach Jose Mourinho.

“Life was tough under Mourinho. I was not playing. I was injured for some time and when I came back I could not get a chance (to play). I walked to the coach (Jose Mourinho) and told him I needed to play. He said ‘you have to wait, you are just coming back from injury’.”

“Clubs came in for me and asked to take me on loan with an obligation to buy after some time but Tottenham said no. I walked to the chairman’s (Daniel Levy) office and told him to understand my situation. I had been at the club for four years and we had celebrated milestones including (making it to) the Champions League final. He granted me my wish (to leave). When Thierry Henry called me and asked me to join him at Montreal, I couldn’t say no.”

Wanyama also spoke about his time in Canada, while talking up the national football team’s chances of qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

He also blamed Covid-19 for the national team’s recent poor returns against Comoros and suggested that he competed at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt while not fully fit.

“I am happy in Canada. Thierry Henry is a good coach. He has a passion for football but can also be very thought at times. I think we still have a chance of qualifying for the Nations. You never say never in football by the way. The game against Egypt at home is crucial. We have to try and win that game.”

Wanyama is expected to resume pre-season training ahead of the new MLS season next week.

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CAF fines Kenya Sh1 million over DP Ruto, Raila pitch invasion

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:00:01 +0000

CAF fines Kenya Sh1 million over DP Ruto, Raila pitch invasion admin Wed, 12/09/2020 - 10:00

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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Nairobi News

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CAF fines Kenya Sh1 million over DP Ruto, Raila pitch invasion

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has slapped Kenya with a Sh1 million fine after dignitaries led by Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga accessed the main pitch during the 2021 Africa Nations Cup qualification match against Comoros in Nairobi.
Ruto and Odinga were pictured at the playing area (Zone 1) together with their entourage in turns during the match which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The DP later announced he had offered the team a Sh1 million token ‘to congratulate them for their efforts in the game’.
However, Caf had earlier released strict protocols barring fans from attending all qualification matches as a way of curbing the spread of Covid-19.
“The dignitaries had heavy security attached to them. They barged through the stewards arranged by Caf security officer,” Caf’s ruling stated in part.
“According to CAF Disciplinary Code (Art. 8.2), “The host association or club is responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after the match. It is liable for incidents of any kind, and can be rendered subject to disciplinary measures.”
Football Kenya Federation have three days to appeal the decision.

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Fans disadvantage awaits Kenya in weekend clash with Comoros

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 22:40:01 +0000

Fans disadvantage awaits Kenya in weekend clash with Comoros admin Tue, 11/10/2020 - 22:40

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

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Nairobi News

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Fans disadvantage awaits Kenya in weekend clash with Comoros

Comoros have secured a psychological advantage over Kenya ahead of Sunday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification return leg with reports in Moroni indicating that 5,000 supporters will be allowed into the Maluzini Sports Complex to cheer the home team.
But then, the first-leg match involving both teams at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Wednesday, will be played at in an empty stadium owing to the strict government guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
The kick-off for the match in Nairobi is 7pm.
Comoros Football Association (FA) general secretary Alifilieni Djamaleddine told le gazette Comoros the availability of Les Coelacanthes supporters for the Moroni clash was ‘good news’.
“For entry to the match, bracelets instead of tickets will be made available to everyone. We will communicate the points of sale,” he explained, adding that Kenya will dispatch a contingent of 42 people for the rematch.
Fans are usually known to provide moral support through cheering their own and jeering the opponent at football matches.
Djamaleddine’s comments come despite last week’s statement by the Confederation of African Football barring supporters from the stadium during these matches.
These decisions came after a video conference meeting with national safety and security officers (NSSO) of the Member Associaitions to inform them with the recent decisions regarding the precautionary measures, taken by the football’s governing body in Africa,” Caf’s statement read in part.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars is eyeing a successive return to the continental football showpiece while Comoros are seeking a first-ever appearance.

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Olunga availability for Stars, Comoros clash in doubt over Covid-19 fears

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:10:01 +0000

Olunga availability for Stars, Comoros clash in doubt over Covid-19 fears admin Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:10

Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Nairobi News

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Olunga availability for Stars, Comoros clash in doubt over Covid-19 fears

Harambee Stars could miss the services of striker Michael Olunga for the back to back AFCON 2021 qualifiers against Comoros on November 11 and 15.
This is after his Japanese club, Kashiwa Reysol announced that the entire team will head into a 10-day quarantine following at five positive Covid-19 cases in the team.
The club did not however announce the individuals that had contracted the virus but their Brazilian coach Nelsinho has already been confirmed as a positive case.
“We plan to quarantine at a hotel for about 10 days from Thursday.” A short statement by the club reads.
“We will put the safety of everyone first, carry out PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests of all the staff, and resume the activities as soon as the safety is confirmed by the tests,” the statement adds.
Reysol was scheduled to face Tokyo FC in a Levin Cup final on Saturday 7 November but that too has been canceled
“Due to the Coronavirus situation at Kashiwa Reysol, the 2020 J League YBC Levin Cup final between Kashiwa Reysol and FC Tokyo that was scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 7th has been canceled. The J-League will inform you of the alternative dates as soon as they are decided.” A statement on the club’s portal reads.
Meanwhile, other foreign-based stars are expected to start trooping into the Harambee Stats camp this evening.

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Ghost names Harambee Stars squad for Comoros qualifiers

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:20:01 +0000

Ghost names Harambee Stars squad for Comoros qualifiers admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 11:20

Monday, October 26, 2020

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Nairobi News

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Ghost names Harambee Stars squad for Comoros qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee has named his squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (AFCON) against Comoros scheduled for next month.
The first leg will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11 while the second leg is slated for November 15 in Comoros.
Little-known Mathew Olake, who is based in Canada is the surprise inclusion in Mulee’s 40-man provisional squad.
The winger is currently unattached but was most recently in the books of Vancouver Island Soccer League side Lakehill.
Sofapaka captain Elli Asieche is among the new local-based stars called up alongside Moses Mudavadi, Peter Thiong’o (Kakamega Homeboyz), Robert Mboya, Boniface Muchiri (Tusker) and Daniel Sakari and Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks).
https://twitter.com/harambee__stars/status/1320289535046131714
Gor Mahia teenage sensation Benson Omala will also be looking to impress Mulee in the striking department that has on form Kashiwa Reysol striker Michael Olunga and Egypt-based John Avire.
Spain-based Ismael Gonzalez and Zesco United defender David “Calabar” Owino are also back in the team having missed out on a call-up since last year’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Egypt.
The squad will be trimmed to a lean unit of just 20 players before the back to back qualifiers against Comoros who lead Group G with four points while Kenya is second with just two points after drawing against Egypt and Togo.
Local-based players are expected to kick off non-residential training on Wednesday October 28 while their foreign-based counterparts will report on November 2.
Squad:
Goalkeepers
Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya).
Midfielders
Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkopings Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya).
Forwards
Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).
Reserves
Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya).

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