The club was reestablished in 2003 (1996 EC) with the hopes of restoring Dire Dawa's historic place in Ethiopian football.

The following year (2004–05) the club played in a regional league (then considered the third tier of Ethiopian football).

[2] Dire Dawa Kenema spent the first few season in the top division battling relegation.

[5] After his firing, Fisseha sued the club saying that he hadn't been paid the amount that was owned to him after the termination of his contract.

As of 14 January 2025[11] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.