10 Most Valuable Kenyan Players: Michael Olunga & Victor Wanyama drop as Timothy Ouma surges

10 Most Valuable Kenyan Players: Michael Olunga & Victor Wanyama drop as Timothy Ouma surges

Joel Omotto 10:04 - 12.01.2025

Kenyan players continue to impress in various leagues across the world but as the new year starts, who is the most valuable?

Kenyan players are among the most valuable in East Africa given the number of big names that play in various leagues across Europe, Asia and America.

However, there has been a shakeup in their market values recently with some major drops and significant increases, according to the latest update by Transfermarkt.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and his predecessor Victor Wanyama have suffered drops in their market values while Timothy Ouma is the Kenyan player whose value has increased the most.

So, at the start of 2025 and with the January transfer window open, who are the 10 most valuable Kenyan players?

Joseph Okumu - €9m (Ksh1.2b)

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has retained his value of €9 million (Ksh1.2 billion) and is now unchallenged as the most valuable Kenyan player.

Okumu, who moved to French side Stade Reims ahead of the 2023-24 season, is one of the most coveted centre-backs and is an integral part of the Ligue 1 side with his performances at the heart of defence impressing many.

Michael Olunga - €8m (Ksh1b)

Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga has seen his value drop by €1 million (Ksh133 million) from €9 million (Ksh1.2 billion) last May to now €8 million (Ksh1 billion).

Olunga, who plays for Qatari side Al Duhail, remains one of the most revered strikers in the Middle East where he continues making history.

His drop could be attributed to the reduction in his goals in the last six months compared to what was witnessed before but he remains one of the most sought-after strikers and a key asset for Al Duhail.

Timothy Ouma - €3m (Ksh400m)

The biggest jump witnessed lately is midfielder Timothy Ouma, whose value has increased massively to €3 million (Ksh400 million), thanks to his performances with Swedish club IF Elfsborg.

Ouma has been central to the club’s rise this season, becoming a key member of the squad as they challenge in the league and the Europa League, where he has had some commanding displays.

Zak Vyner - €2.8m (Ksh374m)

English-born Kenyan defender Zak Vyner is fourth on the list of the most valuable Kenyan players at €2.8 million (Ksh374 million).

Vyner, who plays for English side Bristol City, is a new entrant on the list, owing to the Harambee Stars call-up he received last May although he is yet to turn out for Kenya.

Daniel Anyembe - €1.3m (Ksh173m)

Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe has seen his value increase by nearly double since last May to €1.3 million (Ksh173 million) from €700,000 (Ksh93 million) at the time.

Anyembe, who plays for Danish side Viborg, remains a key cog for Harambee Stars with his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back making him favourite of coaches.

Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma - €850k (Ksh113m)

© Rakow Czestochowa.

Left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is among those whose values have dropped, having moved from €1.5 million (Ksh200 million) in the middle of last year to now €850,000 (Ksh113 million).

Ouma plays for Polish side Rakow Czestochowa where he was a regular when he signed last year but has seen his game time reduced somewhat this term.

Victor Wanyama - €800k (Ksh106m)

Another player whose value has dropped significantly is Victor Wanyama, whose bench role at MLS side CF Montreal in the last one-and-a-half seasons, has affected his market value.

Wanyama is now valued at €800,000 (Ksh106 million), down from €2 million (Ksh267 million) in May last year, before he became a bit-part player at Montreal.

The midfielder is currently a free agent after leaving the MLS club following the expiry of his contract late last year.

Collins Sichenje - €650k (Ksh87m)

Photo || Imago

Defender Collins Sichenje, who now plays for Serbian club Vojvodina, has also seen his value rise from €450,000 (Ksh60 million) last year to €650,000 (Ksh87 million) currently.

Sichenje left Swedish side AIK for Vojvodina and is enjoying a good season, having featured in 19 matches this campaign across all competitions.

Johnstone Omurwa - €600k (Ksh80m)

Johnstone Omurwa
Johnstone Omurwa

Another central defender on the list, Johnstone Omurwa, who plies his trade with Saudi second division side Abha, is ninth among the most valuable Kenyan players with a value of €600,000 (Ksh80 million).

Omurwa ended his two-year association with Portuguese side Estrela da Amadora for the riches of the Gulf but remains one of the key members of the Harambee Stars squad.

Eric Johana - €450k (Ksh60m)

© Eric Johana

Completing the list of the 10 most valuable Kenyan players is attacker Eric Johana who continues to enjoy a renaissance with Romanian side UTA Arad.

Johana is valued at €450,000 (Ksh60 million), an increase from €350,000 (Ksh47 million) last May, having joined Arad in October 2023, after spending months without a club.