Stade de Reims has announced the arrival of Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro on loan from Nairobi United, with an option to buy.

The 19-year-old versatile defender will initially train with the reserve team, managed by Anthony Weber.

“Manzur Okwaro signed his first professional contract at the start of 2026. He previously played for Nairobi United (Kenyan Premier League),” stated Reims, a second division club in France.

“At just 19 years old, Okwaro already has 10 caps for the Kenyan national team (Harambee Stars). The young defender has risen rapidly in recent months. Since his first call-up to the Kenyan senior squad in March 2025, Manzur has lived up to all expectations.

“The defender will now continue his development in Reims, following in the footsteps of several young talents before him, playing in the Pro 2 league with the goal of eventually joining Karel Geraerts’ first team. At the Raymond Kopa Training Center, he will reunite with his compatriot Joseph Okumu, who will undoubtedly take him under his wing and guide him through this new stage of his young career.”

Okumu, meanwhile, has backed Okwaro to succeed in Europe.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet Manzur. I crossed paths with him several times in Kenya, but we haven’t yet had the chance to play together for the national team. I’ve already experienced what he’s going through now, and I’m going to support him and help him settle in at Reims.”