NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Harambee Stars kicked off their 2024 CHAN campaign with more than just national pride at stake — each player is now Sh1 million richer.
This comes after the team stunned two-time champions Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 at a jam-packed Kasarani Stadium, triggering President William Ruto’s high-stakes financial pledge for every victory.
The Head of State had, just hours earlier, promised each player Sh1 million per win and Sh500,000 for a draw in the regional tournament that Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania — the first time the CHAN tournament has ever come to East Africa.
“Guys, it cannot get better than this,” Ruto said during a high-level breakfast meeting at Nairobi’s Pullman Hotel.
“We have tripled the rewards so that everyone does their best.”
The President also dangled bigger incentives:
- Sh600 million if the Stars win the championship,
- Sh90 million for a final appearance,
- Sh70 million for reaching the semis, and
- Sh60 million for a quarter-final finish.
But on Sunday, it was all about that first million.
Austin Odhiambo was the match-winner, smashing home a powerful strike in added time of the first half to give Kenya the lead — and the payday.
The match wasn’t without drama. Congo thought they had scored early through Jephte Kitambala, but VAR ruled it out for a foul on defender Sylvester Owino — a call that sent Kasarani into thunderous relief.
By kickoff, the atmosphere was electric. Kasarani had transformed into a sea of red, black, and green, as thousands of fans, draped in national colours, sang and danced their way into the stadium. Outside, vendors cashed in on the excitement, selling everything from flags to face paint.
Security was tight. Police partially closed Thika Road’s service lane at Roysambu to manage traffic. Vuvuzelas and megaphones were banned, and Kenya Red Cross teams were on standby with ambulances, first aiders, and even psychosocial support units.
In the second half, Congo pushed hard but couldn’t crack Kenya’s rock-solid defence. Wasteful finishing and a composed Kenyan backline ensured the win — and the money.
Next up for the Stars: Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and Zambia on August 17.
With three group matches to go, the potential prize pot is growing — and the message is clear: every goal counts, and so does every million.
