The team has been boosted by the arrival of foreign-based players, including Spain-based Michael Olunga, Georgia-based Eric Ouma, Bulgaria-based Abud Omar and Sweden based Eric Johanna.
Zambia based quintet of Anthony Akumu, Jesse Were, David Owino, Cliffton Miheso and John Mark Makwatta linked up with the local- based players in Nairobi on Mondaybefore departure to Iraq.
Coach Stanley Okumbi took charge of the team's first training session on Tuesday, starting 7pm EAT. Zesco defender David Owino, who bears the captain's armband in place of injured Victor Wanyama, was upbeat ahead of the friendly matches.
"Playing on a different continent will be good exposure for us ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. We shall gain a lot of confidence and face the qualifiers when we are much more prepared," said captain David Owino.
Stars yesterday held their second training session at the Basra International Stadium, the venue of the first friendly match against Iraq. The match will be the second on home soil for the hosts after Fifa lifted a ban on the country's stadiums.
-The Star| FRANCIS WADEGU