Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, have received a massive morale boost ahead of their decisive African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 group stage match against Zambia, after President William Ruto pledged Ksh2.5 million for each player if they secure victory.
The announcement was made on Monday, August 11, 2025, during a high-profile meeting at the Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where the Head of State met the national team following their stunning 1-0 triumph over Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the previous day.
From Ksh1 Million to Ksh2.5 Million: President Raises the Stakes
Earlier in the tournament, President Ruto had promised Ksh1 million per player for each group-stage win, but after Kenya’s outstanding performance against the top-ranked team in Africa, the offer was significantly increased for the final Group A clash against Zambia.
Ruto further announced an additional Ksh1 million per player and an affordable government housing unit should the Harambee Stars advance to the CHAN 2024 semi-finals by winning their quarter-final match.
“The Harambee Stars have proven that unity, resilience, and discipline can bring a nation together. We are proud of you, and I believe CHAN 2024 is within our grasp,” said Ruto.
Housing Promise in Response to Players’ Appeal
The conversation around housing arose after goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, speaking on behalf of the team, requested the President to consider them in the affordable housing programme.
In response, Ruto assured the players that his government would facilitate access to the housing scheme, describing it as part of his commitment to support both sports development and players’ welfare.
Harambee Stars Defy the Odds in CHAN 2024
Initially viewed as underdogs in a challenging group, the Harambee Stars have exceeded expectations. Co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya opened with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), followed by a hard-fought draw against Angola, and capped it off with a historic victory against Morocco.
The win over the Atlas Lions — achieved despite playing with 10 men for much of the match — was sealed by a decisive strike from Ryan Wesley Ogam.
From their three group matches so far, and based on the President’s earlier pledge, each player has already pocketed Ksh2.5 million in rewards.
Group Standings and Potential Quarter-Final Clash
Kenya currently sits top of Group A with seven points from three matches, putting them on the brink of a quarter-final berth in the 19-team tournament. While Morocco and Angola still have mathematical chances of overtaking them, it would require unlikely results.
Football fans are already buzzing about a possible quarter-final showdown between Kenya and Tanzania, with the Taifa Stars dominating Group B after winning all three of their matches.
