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Despite retiring from international duty in 2021, Wanyama announced his potential comeback last December after meeting with Kenya's sports minister, Ababu Namwamba.
Former Kenya Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has announced that he will not return to play for the Harambee Stars until there is "more professionalism" in Kenyan football.
Despite retiring from international duty in 2021, Wanyama announced his potential comeback last December after meeting with Kenya's sports minister, Ababu Namwamba.
However, he now says that “more details” must be addressed before he is willing to pull on the red shirt again.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Wanyama said, "I spoke to the minister, and I spoke to the (new) coach. They're all asking me to go back, but I said, 'I need a bit of time to think about this.”
"Maybe I can come back and help the team, help the young players coming through to understand what it means to represent their country.”
"I think the players deserve better treatment and more professionalism."
Kenya has had seven coaches in six years, with Turkish national Engin Firat handling the Harambee Stars.
The turnover of the coaching staff for the national team has been a source of frustration for Wanyama, which the midfielder believes has hindered the team's progress.
"It's a bit difficult because we have a lot of good players, but the problem has been they didn't settle for one coach," he explained.
"Having different coaches changing players all the time is tough. But now, hopefully, they have settled for one coach.”
Kenyan football has faced a number of setbacks in recent years, including the dissolution of the Football Kenya Federation by the sports ministry over alleged misappropriation of funds.
As a result, FIFA banned the East African nation for nine months. Although the suspension has now been lifted, Kenya was expelled from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Wanyama believes that his compatriots have missed out on a critical opportunity for development. He said, "When they take it away from young players, it is difficult for them.”
“Hopefully, Kenya can get back to where they belong because we lost a lot when the country was not playing competitive games."
Wanyama also revealed that he speaks to young Kenyan players regularly to offer advice on what they should do to improve their chances of playing in the top leagues.
He believes that playing for the national team is one of the best ways for players to be seen by scouts and gain exposure. Still, he maintains that poor administrative standards had been a significant barrier to progress.
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