President William Ruto has unveiled an unprecedented Sh600 million incentive package for the Harambee Stars if they win the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a historic move aimed at boosting morale and signalling strong government backing for the national team.
The announcement was made on Saturday morning during a breakfast meeting with the squad at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi, just a day before their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the new incentive structure, each player will receive Sh1 million for every victory and Sh500,000 for every draw.
If the team reaches the quarterfinals, they will earn Sh60 million, Sh70 million for reaching the semifinals, and a record-breaking Sh600 million should they lift the trophy.
“His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, visited the Harambee Stars in camp ahead of their #CHAN2024 opener,” read a statement from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). “He pledged a reward of Sh1 million to each member of the Harambee Stars delegation for every match won at #CHAN2024, and Sh500,000 for every draw.”
The President was accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, FKF President Hussein Mohamed, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and Local Organising Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye.
During the visit, President Ruto encouraged the players to give their best and urged Kenyans to rally behind the team.
The financial package, among the largest ever pledged to a Kenyan sports team, comes amid heightened expectations as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
The CHAN tournament kicks off on Saturday, August 2, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Kenya set to play their opener on Sunday at Nairobi’s 60,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
