Kenya is to play Burundi in two friendlies in March in their first football international return since its one-year FIFA ban was lifted in November, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced.

In February 2022, football's world governing body suspended the FKF, citing government interference after the authorities shut down the organisation in 2021 over graft allegations.

In November 2022, Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba announced that the federation would be reinstated but warned its former chief, who is facing corruption charges, against returning to the FKF until his case was concluded.

The FKF says the return of the national team in the two arranged friendlies on March 25th and 28th in Nairobi was a positive development for the country.

"Football is coming back from a very difficult period. We have missed big opportunities for both men and women," the current FKF chief Barry Otieno said in a press statement publish late Saturday.

"These friendlies are the first step in rebuilding the team and getting us ready for competitive international football," he added.

Turkish-born Engin Firat has been retained as the Harambee Stars head coach and will take charge in the two friendlies.

"It is important to keep the team engaged, to keep working so that we are able to play at the good level when we return," said Firat, whose contract has been extended to January 2026.