The Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, has criticised the Kenya Broadcast Corporation (KBC) for failing to air the Harambe Stars game 2026 World Cup qualifiers match against Gabon.
KBC, as a state corporation, in its mandate, was contracted to air the game however, it failed to do so, citing satellite difficulties.
“We owe Kenyans a sincere, unequivocal, and unambiguous apology for this disappointment. You sure deserve better,” CS Ababu apologised.
CS Ababu had earlier asked Kenyans through his social media pages to follow the live match on KBC.
“Delighted to announce that the Harambee Stars vs Gabon 2026 World Cup qualifier game tonight will be broadcast live by @KBCChannel1,” the CS stated in his tweet on X.
“The whole 50 million of us, led by our President H.E. William Ruto, are behind you, and we will be cheering you on as you take on these crucial games. Our prayers and best wishes with you boys,” CS added after seeing Harambee Stars off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, November 16.
He further promised the national team a Ksh2.5 million reward for every 3 points earned during World Cup Qualifiers.
Unfortunately, Harambee Stars, coached by Turkish manager Engin Firat, lost 2-1 to Gabon in the match that was played in Franceville.
Gabonese stars Dennis Bouanga and Guelor Kanga scored one each in the second-half comeback after Kenya's Masoud Juma struck in the first half to give Harambee Stars an early lead.
Stars will next face Seychelles on Monday, November 20, in Abidjan – Ivory Coast, as Gabon battle with Burundi on Sunday, November 19.
Harambee Stars hopes to be among the nine African teams that will automatically qualify for the World Cup in North America.
Another nine African teams will participate in the Play-off Tournament to qualify for the global showpiece that will host 48 teams for the first time ever.
KBC has however come out to issue an apology for the satellite hitch, that led to the match not being aired, they have promised to air the following matches into the world qualifiers.
"We sincerely apologize to Kenyans for failing to transmit the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Gabon and Kenya on 16th November, 2023 at 7 PM due to a technical satellite challenge," the corporation stated.
