Harambee Stars to get Sh2.5m for CHAN win over Zambia, 3-bedroom homes for semi-final spot- Ruto announces

President William Ruto meets Harambee Stars players at the Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi. (Photo: PCS)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, August 11, 2025

Ruto further promised a Sh2.5 million reward for every player if the team defeats Zambia in the next round scheduled on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Harambee Stars will not only pocket hefty cash rewards if they succeed in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) but also affordable housing units, President William Ruto has announced.

Speaking on Monday after meeting the team at Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, the President praised the national squad for their historic performance and outlined generous incentives to motivate them ahead of the upcoming matches.

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President Ruto confirmed that each member of the delegation has already received Sh1 million following their recent victory over Morocco. He further promised a Sh2.5 million reward for every player if the team defeats Zambia in the next round scheduled on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Beyond cash incentives, the government has also pledged affordable housing units to the players. Should Harambee Stars advance past the quarter-finals, Ruto said each player will receive Sh1 million and a two-bedroom house.

Advancing beyond the semi-finals will earn them an additional Sh1 million and a three-bedroom house in a location of their choice.

Reflecting on Kenya’s journey to hosting CHAN, President Ruto recalled the challenges faced in previous attempts.

“When I asked Ababu Namwamba, the then Minister for Sports, to pursue hosting CHAN, many doubted Kenya’s chances. We tried in 1996 and 2018 but did not succeed. But I believed it was doable,” he said.

“There are people who do not believe, but we believe Kenya can. We have not only hosted CHAN but are also witnessing a historic achievement by our boys.”

He emphasised the role of unity in the team’s success and urged Kenyans to maintain faith and reject negativity.

President William Ruto meets Harambee Stars players at the Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi. (Photo: PCS)

“You guys are making our nation very proud. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let negativity, hate, or ethnicity divide us, Kenya will become the great country we always wanted it to be,” the President said.

The Head of State expressed confidence in Harambee Stars’ potential, saying Kenya can emerge as the winner.

“We play in the League of Champions. The government and the people of Kenya stand behind you, praying that this time we can win CHAN because it is within close reach,” he said.

The meeting with the team was also an occasion to celebrate their historic qualification for the CHAN knockout stages after the win against Morocco, a milestone for Kenyan football.

President Ruto’s incentives come as a boost to Harambee Stars’ campaign, offering both immediate financial rewards and long-term assets as the team aims for continental glory.