Qatar-based striker Michael Olunga has been reinstated to the national squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea.
The experienced captain features in a 38-man preliminary roster announced by head coach Benni McCarthy on Tuesday, with the team set to assemble for preparations before the upcoming double-header.
The 32-year-old forward last represented the national side in October of the previous year, during a World Cup qualifying match against Seychelles in Nairobi, a game Kenya won convincingly by 5-0.
Earlier this year, Olunga underwent surgery to address a pelvic injury, an issue which forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
He has since made his comeback for Al Arabi, finding the back of the net in a 1-1 Qatar Stars League draw against his former club, Al Duhail.
With 34 goals in 69 appearances for his country, the forward will compete for a place in the final squad against an exciting new generation of attacking talent.
Among the rising prospects is Job Ochieng’, who recently made his first La Liga start, though his side suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
Additional young forwards in contention include Lawrence Okoth, who has signed with Bandari, Belgium-based Ryan Ogam, and Mohammed Bajaber, currently unattached following his departure from Tanzania’s Simba SC.
Former Kenya under-20 captain Amos Wanjala, who has been pushing for a breakthrough at the senior level with Valencia, has received another call-up, this time in central defence.
Aldrine Kibet has also earned recognition for his impressive performances with Celta Vigo’s reserve team in Spain.
Several foreign-based players have received their first-ever senior call-ups, including Swindon Town’s Louis Millard and Javan Ochieng’ of Hickory.
The Harambee Stars have already confirmed their participation in the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts of the prestigious tournament.
Nevertheless, the qualifying campaign offers McCarthy a valuable chance to assess his squad under competitive conditions.
Kenya will kick off their campaign against Eritrea on September 26 at Nyayo Stadium, before traveling to Conakry five days later to take on Guinea.
The team is also scheduled to face South Africa in the Group D qualifiers.
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