Ruto grants Harambee Stars Sh1 million each for affordable housing, increases athlete rewards
President William Ruto has fulfilled his promise to support Harambee Stars players by announcing a Sh1 million housing grant for each member of the squad.
The grant, unveiled on Thursday at a special State House luncheon, will cover half the cost of a two-bedroom affordable home valued at Sh2 million.
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Players will be able to settle the remaining amount either through a mortgage arrangement or a one-off cash payment, with the units available in any part of the country.
The gesture came in recognition of Harambee Stars’ impressive outing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where they topped Pool ‘A’ after holding Angola, defeating Zambia, and pulling off famous wins against two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo.
Their inspiring journey ended in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to eventual finalists Madagascar, but the spirited run has been celebrated as a new dawn for Kenyan football.
Earlier, the President had pledged to give the players two-bedroom homes under the Affordable Housing Programme, with an additional Sh1 million if they advanced past the quarterfinals.
While that milestone was not achieved, Ruto reiterated his admiration for the team’s resilience. He said he was “immensely proud” of their performance and hailed the determination that carried them through such a challenging group.
Looking ahead, Ruto emphasised that CHAN 2024 has laid the foundation for Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. “The journey to AFCON 2027 starts now, built on resilience, belief, and the lessons you have shown the continent at CHAN,” he said.
Ruto tied these pledges to his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, stressing that sports play a central role in both nurturing talent and transforming livelihoods.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed echoed the sentiment, describing the government’s backing as a “foundation for the renaissance of Kenyan sports.”
At the luncheon, CS Mvurya noted that athletes from multiple disciplines, including athletics, volleyball, para volleyball, para powerlifting, rugby, and judo, had also been invited. He said this inclusivity reflected the government’s commitment to building a holistic sports culture.
President Ruto, at the same time, announced a major boost in financial rewards for Kenyan athletes, raising cash prizes by up to 400 per cent.
“We have revised the cash reward scheme to ensure our champions are acknowledged in a manner that reflects their sacrifice and hard work,” Ruto said.
Under the new structure, Olympic gold medalists will now pocket Sh3 million, up from Sh750,000. Silver medalists will earn Sh2 million, up from Sh500,000, while bronze winners will take home Sh1 million, a sharp rise from the previous Sh350,000.
In team events, the reward per athlete has also been significantly revised, with gold medalists earning Sh750,000 each (previously Sh100,000), silver medalists Sh500,000 (up from Sh75,000), and bronze medalists Sh375,000 (up from Sh50,000).
Ruto revealed that the Ministry of Sports has already budgeted Sh55 million to settle payouts for recent competitions, in addition to Sh15 million reserved for record-breaking performances.
He further directed that Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, on the advice of the Awards and Recognition Committee, will approve the payment of bonuses for athletes and teams participating in qualification rounds. These bonuses will be worth up to Sh2.5 million as an incentive to secure slots in major championships.
The President also outlined the government’s long-term vision for sports infrastructure and development, pointing to Kenya’s successful hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as proof of the country’s readiness to stage continental tournaments.
He cited ongoing projects such as the construction of Talanta Sports City, renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, and upgrades at regional facilities, including Eliud Kipchoge Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium, and Raila Odinga Stadium. According to him, these initiatives are aimed at delivering world-class venues that will serve future generations.
Ruto also highlighted talent development programmes, noting that the Talanta Hela initiative is enabling young Kenyans to commercialise their talents. So far, 37 Constituency Sports Academies have been launched across the country to offer structured training, mentorship, and career opportunities.
At the policy level, the government is reviewing the Sports Policy (2005) and the Sports Act (2013) to make the sector more inclusive, transparent, and commercially sustainable. The reforms will also tackle governance gaps, athlete welfare, doping control, and integrate technology in sports management.
The President stressed that nationwide consultations are underway to ensure the framework reflects the aspirations of Kenyans in every county.
“I wish to appreciate the contribution of corporate partners who have already come on board to support our sportsmen and women. I call on more corporations to join us in investing in our athletes’ programmes,” said Ruto.
“Your partnership is vital, your belief in the process is essential. Together, we can build a thriving sports culture that empowers our youth, strengthens our economy, and unites our nation.”
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