The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has dismissed claims by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) regarding the payment of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s salary, further deepening uncertainty over the matter.
Last week, FKF’s Head of Communications, Jeff Kinyanjui, stated that McCarthy’s wages were being covered by the government in accordance with SRC guidelines.
His remarks came amid reports that McCarthy was earning a monthly salary exceeding Ksh8 million, with part of the amount allegedly funded by the government and the rest by FKF.
McCarthy was officially unveiled as Harambee Stars’ head coach on Monday, March 3, taking over from Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Engin Firat. He will be assisted by a backroom staff consisting of fellow South Africans.
“There have been false reports suggesting that Benni McCarthy will be earning Ksh8 million per month. This is not accurate,” Kinyanjui posted.
He added, “The coach’s salary is paid by the government and adheres to SRC guidelines. Even the entire technical bench does not earn such an amount collectively.”
Kinyanjui called for responsible reporting, warning that misinformation could mislead fans and divert attention from supporting the national team. “Let’s focus on the facts and support the team constructively,” he concluded.
In response, SRC refuted FKF’s claims, stating that the matter does not fall under its mandate.
Speaking to Nation.Africa, an SRC official clarified that McCarthy’s salary has not been processed by their office and warned that such an arrangement could set a precedent for other federations to seek similar treatment.
“I’ve checked, and no such arrangement exists. The SRC has never been involved in paying national team coaches as civil servants. If this were done for Harambee Stars, other federations would demand the same,” the official stated.
“If McCarthy is being paid, it would be through FKF or an agreement with the Ministry of Sports, but it has nothing to do with SRC. This matter falls outside our mandate,” the official added.
Despite the ongoing salary debate, McCarthy has begun his tenure actively. He recently attended an FKF Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks alongside FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, former interim coach Kimanzi, and Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba.