Kenya’s national football team Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench following were rewarded as promised by President William Ruto for Sunday’s win against DR Congo.
A statement from State House confirmed the reward and noted that the funds were released through the Ministry of Sports as a token of appreciation and encouragement to the team.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed confirmed that the government had honoured its promise to the Harambee Stars players by disbursing Ksh42 million.
In his statement, Mohammed confirmed that each player, including reserve players and substitutes, would receive Ksh1 million, with members of the technical bench also set to be feted with a similar amount.
“President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team’s 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday,” the statement reads in part.
Following the disbursement of the funds, the Mohammed reiterated that similar rewards awaited Harambee Stars players and the technical team if they recorded another victory in their second group game against Angola on Thursday, August 7.
The President had promised to financially reward the national team for each victory in the CHAN tournament—a gesture aimed at boosting morale and recognising the players’ efforts in representing the country.
Sunday’s win at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was sealed by a first-half strike from Austin Odhiambo, securing Kenya’s first-ever win in a CHAN match and igniting hopes of progression from Group A.
Harambee Stars players may finish the African Nations Championships (CHAN) as multi-millionaires after President William Ruto pledged a bumper reward on Saturday morning.
Each player will receive Ksh 1 million for every win at the continental showpiece as well as Ksh 500,000 for every draw.
Should they make it to the quarterfinals, the team will receive a total of Ksh 60 million, which will increase by Ksh 10 million should they reach the semi-finals.
A mouth-watering reward of Ksh 600 million awaits them should they go all the way and win the tourney, in which they will be participating for the first time.
President Ruto made the promise during a breakfast meeting with the team ahead of their Group A opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
A win would place Harambee Stars in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the theme CHAN PAMOJA 2024.