President William Samoei Ruto has honoured his pledge to reward Harambee Stars following their 1–0 victory over the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. The Ministry of Sports on Monday disbursed KES 42 million to the national team in recognition of the hard-fought win.
The sum covers cash prizes of KES 1 million per player for 27 squad members and an additional payout to 15 members of the technical bench, fulfilling a promise made by the Head of State ahead of the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the president reaffirmed his support for the national team, saying a similar reward awaits the squad should they secure victory in their next match against Angola, slated for Thursday, August 7.
“President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KES 1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KES 42 million, following the national team’s 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday,” said Hussein.
The payout is part of a bold incentive structure unveiled by President Ruto during a visit to the team’s training camp at Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill, on Saturday, August 2, ahead of the CHAN kick-off.
The president pledged:
- KES 1 million per player for every win,
- KES 500,000 for every draw,
- KES 60 million if the team reaches the quarter-finals,
- KES 70 million for a semi-final finish,
- and an unprecedented KES 600 million if Harambee Stars lift the CHAN title — a record reward in the history of Kenyan sports.
“We had agreed that the team would get KES 200 million for making it to the finals. But I make it KES 600 million if you make it to the finals. I have multiplied everything for everyone to play their part,” said Ruto during the visit.
The president also called on Kenyans to rally behind the national team, urging them to show the same energy and passion as they do during political campaigns.
“Kenyans, are you ready for the biggest football celebration in Africa? We are hosting CHAN 2024. We’ve got the passion, we’ve got the players, now we need the 12th man — you! Kuja na mbogi, ama niaje. Harambee Stars all the way,” he said in jest.
The president is also said to have hinted on rewarding the players with houses in the Affordable Housing Scheme program should they lift the trophy.
With the country hosting CHAN 2024 and the president’s administration placing sports firmly on the national agenda, Harambee Stars appear poised for a historic run — now with millions of reasons to aim for glory.
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