The former South Africa striker has been in charge of Kenya since March 2025, but he says he and members of his foreign coaching staff still do not have the documentation required to work in the country.
Speaking to Kenyan media, McCarthy said the situation means he leaves Kenya after international camps rather than remaining between assignments.
“I am very worried for myself and my team, because I don't ever want that to be the stumbling block from us getting the job one day of becoming a Man United coach. That's my aspiration, my ambition.”
The 48-year-old previously spent two seasons coaching Manchester United's forwards and is concerned that the circumstances could affect how his work is viewed if he eventually applies for a senior club position.
“If people go back in the records and they see I worked illegally in a country, they would say: ‘Why would we want to have him?’”
“‘If he’s capable of doing that there, he’s more than capable of doing it wherever he goes.’”
Capital FM reported that McCarthy has repeatedly raised the issue with the Football Kenya Federation but remains unable to stay in the country legally once his national-team duties are complete.
“I sat down with the Kenyan football federation about this issue, because for me it is the biggest problem.”
“I see what goes on around the world regarding immigration and people being undocumented, and it is horrible – especially for people who look like me.”
“When I arrived the federation said they had everything under control, and were working on it. But a year and a half later, you get tired of asking.”
The work permit problem also limits McCarthy's ability to follow Kenyan football between international windows, with the coach saying he cannot remain in the country after completing his duties.
“Your words end up falling on deaf ears. People wonder why I am never here, but I don’t ever want to be questioned by the authorities for being illegal in someone’s country.”
“So I come here, do my job, and when my job is finished I get out – because I have no legal reason to stay.”
Football Kenya Federation has said it is working with the government to resolve the outstanding work permit issue affecting McCarthy and members of his technical staff.
The problem has therefore become more than a logistical frustration for McCarthy, who fears it could remain part of his professional record.
His ambition is to return to club management at the highest level, with Manchester United a particular target after his previous spell at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
For now, McCarthy remains committed to Kenya, but the unresolved documentation continues to dictate how he can live and work in the country.