Harambee Stars attracted notable attention this year, due to either their performance or non-performance in various assignments.
Although they returned to competitive football later in the year, the national side has engaged in a number of games and competitions since early in the year, when FIFA lifted suspensions.
So, what are Stars' memorable moments in the 2023 calendar? Let us take a look.
Best moments;
Iran friendly after FIFA suspension
Kenya played their first international game on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, after almost a year-long suspension from FIFA.
Initially, Harambee Stars were set to take on CECAFA rivals Burundi before the plan was changed, and Burundi were replaced by Iran as Kenya's friendly opponents in that FIFA international break.
This game brought relief in various aspects, given that the country had been in the cold for months.
To get a clear picture of why the Iran friendly was a great sigh of relief for the country, it is worth mentioning the events that led to the suspension.
As the country ushered in the year 2023, football and football lovers did not entirely welcome the year on a positive note given that Kenya had been suspended by FIFA in February 2022.
The suspension had been effected after the government, according to FIFA, interfered with the running of the country's FA, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
What led to the suspension was an act by the then Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed, disbanding the FKF national executive committee. Mohamed went on to install a caretaker committee, which later morphed into the FKF transition committee.
This triggered a reaction from FIFA, which suspended the country from the international soccer fraternity, a ban that lasted for 277 days.
With the new government in town and the subsequent appointment of Ababu Namwamba as the new chief of the sports ministry, things took a positive turn with FIFA, and by November, the ban had been lifted.
This paved the way for the Iran friendly, and although Harambee Stars lost 2-1 in Tehran, the fact that Kenya was back in the international football community was all the positive news, overshadowing the loss.
Win over Qatar
This was Kenya's first-ever win over a Middle East opponent after previously falling short against Iran, Yemen, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Kenya stunned the 2022 World Cup hosts with a late strike from Amos Nondi, who struck in the added minutes after regulation time.
There were positives to collect from this game, especially after a disappointing outing in the Four-Nations tournament that was held in Mauritius in July.
The centre-backs, Joseph Okumu and Johnstone Omurwa, gave a signal that they could grow into one of the most solid defense partnerships ever witnessed at Harambee Stars.
In addition to his goal, an equaliser after Qatar had taken the lead in the 20th minute crowned his big moments at the back when he and Omurwa managed to keep at bay strikers that had just participated in the World Cup finals.
While Okumu was a threat in the aerial duels, Omurwa did not get a foot wrong in the ground duels, and this combination, if nurtured and used regularly, is set to develop into a solid partnership for the better of the national team.
The win is also memorable, given that Qatar has always been ranked higher than Harambee Stars in FIFA databases.
Win over Seychelles
Kenya managed a big 5-0 victory over Seychelles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier that was held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on November 23.
This was not only a statement win but also a key victory, given that Engin Firat's charges collected what could be vital points in the race to win a first-ever World Cup ticket.
Michael Olunga registered a brace, with Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango, and Benson Omalla each getting a goal in the one-sided five-goal thriller.
It was a day that Olunga reminded critics and doubters that he was still the man capable of delivering for the national side. The Al Duhail striker had come under intense criticism given that he was under a prolonged goal drought when turning out for Stars.
Given that the five goals came from various players, Firat can depend on more stars to deliver instead of relying on an individual.
Worst moments;
Loss to South Sudan
The loss against South Sudan's Bright Stars came just days after the memorable win over Qatar.
The loss at Nyayo Stadium was a heartbreaking outcome for fans who had started believing in Harambee Stars again. The defeat on September 12 at home to a side that has always ranked way below Kenya, generated renewed criticism, and faith in the players plummeted incredibly.
It was a poor general performance. Stars looked disjointed and bewildered at how Bright Stars took them without fear.
Loss to Gabon
This was Kenya's first competitive duty after the FIFA suspension, and it did not go according to plan.
After engaging in high-profile friendlies, including matches against Qatar, Iran, and even Russia, Harambee Stars failed to deliver in their first Group F assignment.
This is seen as largely a favourable and open group for every member, and the fact that Kenya fumbled in their opener means they might have dropped points that would prove costly in the end.
Gabon and Ivory Coast lead the group after two straight wins, while Kenya is third with three points. For Harambee to clinch the group title, they must ensure wins are registered in the coming games and rivals drop points, in massive proportions.
