NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s Harambee Stars could be walking away with a record-breaking Sh1 billion reward if they win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)—thanks to pledges from both President William Ruto and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko on Friday announced a Sh400 million incentive on top of President Ruto’s earlier Sh600 million offer, setting the stage for the highest-ever payout in Kenyan football history.
“I’m not in competition with the President,” said Sonko, known for his high-profile philanthropic gestures. “Mine is just to support his gesture. Boys, you have Sh1 billion if you win!”
Historic Incentives, National Expectations
The President, during his visit to the Harambee Stars training camp at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, unveiled a revised performance-based bonus scheme:
- Sh1 million per player for a win
- Sh500,000 per player for a draw
- Sh600 million total reward if the team wins the trophy
The upgraded reward replaces an earlier Sh200 million offer, tripling the stakes just days before Kenya’s opener against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, August 3.
Sonko: “This Time, It’s About Teamwork”
Sonko, who has previously rewarded players individually for outstanding performances, admitted that such gestures had occasionally disrupted team chemistry.
“Sometimes a player would miss a pass just to try score and win the prize himself. This time, the money is for the team as a whole,” he said.
He also called on other leaders and private sector players to step up and offer moral and financial support to the national side.
With home advantage, upgraded stadiums, and a full backing from the state and political leaders, the Harambee Stars have a real chance to make history.
The financial motivation is just the latest boost in a CHAN campaign that has seen increased national attention, massive stadium renovations, and the rollout of new officiating technologies such as VAR.
Kenya is co-hosting the CHAN 2024 tournament with Uganda and Tanzania, marking the country’s most ambitious football undertaking to date.
