Rising Stars striker Lawrence Okoth (Photo Courtesy).

The MOFA FC player, who scored two goals for Rising Stars during their 2025 AFCON U20 exploits in Egypt earlier this year, has been motivated by the way Harambee Stars have been performing at the ongoing CHAN 2024 exploits.

Kenya U-20 forward Lawrence Okoth has admitted “he must work even harder” in order to earn bigger and better opportunities both at club and international level.

The MOFA FC striker, often compared to Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, scored Kenya’s first-ever goal at the competition—a thumping header from a Kevin Wangaya free-kick during their 3-2 opening defeat to Morocco.

Okoth was in fine form throughout the group stage, netting again in a narrow 2-1 loss to Tunisia and causing constant problems for defenders in a 2-2 draw against Nigeria. 

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CAF has imposed an additional $50,000 fine on Kenya for safety and security breaches during the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 match against Morocco.

His tally of two goals made him Kenya’s top scorer in a group stacked with continental heavyweights. Reflecting on the tournament, Okoth credited the team’s preparation, which included several friendlies against Ghana where he scored consistently, as key to his confidence. 

“We were very ready for that game, and 14 minutes in, we had already found the back of the net,” he said. “We made avoidable mistakes that cost us, but it was a great learning process.”

Currently continuing his rise in the National Super League with MOFA, Okoth says the Harambee Stars’ strong showing at CHAN 2024 has fueled his ambition even more. 

Kenya have stunned DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco in Group A and are on track for their first-ever quarterfinal appearance. 

Harambee Stars are set for a decisive CHAN 2024 clash with Zambia, amid tight security, CAF fines, and high stakes.

With each victory earning the senior players KES 1 million in bonuses—KES 2.5 million so far—Okoth admits the incentives and achievements are motivating.

 “First, I have to work even harder to make that squad in future so that I can also be in contention to win a million shillings every game,” he said on the Tiki Taka show.

 “It is not all about representation—you have to show you want to get to a certain level.”

Kishane Thompson revealed his 100m win in Budapest was not his best execution, but was pleased to finish healthy as he sets his sights on the World Championships.

Okoth’s blend of clinical finishing, physical presence, and composure under pressure has already made him one of Kenya’s brightest young prospects. 

With the hunger to improve, the experience of competing against Africa’s best, and a role model in Olunga, the 19-year-old is positioning himself as the future of Kenyan striking power.

 If his rise continues at this pace, the next time he scores on the continental stage, it could well be for the Harambee Stars senior team.