In a rousing show of support for Kenya’s national football team, President William Ruto has announced a record-breaking incentive package for Harambee Stars ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the team at Pullman Hotel in Nairobi, the President pledged Sh600 million if the team clinches the CHAN title.
The reward structure includes:
- Sh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals
- Sh70 million for advancing to the semi-finals
- Sh90 million for qualifying for the finals
- Sh1 million per player for every match won
- Sh500,000 per player for every draw
“Guys, it cannot get better than this. We have tripled the rewards so that everyone does their best,” the President told the team.
President Ruto also urged the nation to unite in support of Harambee Stars, calling on Kenyans to rally behind the team with the slogan “Stars Must Win.” He emphasized, “Let us set aside all other political parties, our party this month is Harambee Stars.”
This year’s CHAN tournament is historic for Kenya, marking the first time the country is co-hosting the continental event alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The month-long competition kicks off this Saturday in Dar es Salaam and features 19 teams from across Africa—making it the largest edition in CHAN’s history.
As part of the tournament preparations, Kenya has made substantial investments in sports infrastructure, including significant upgrades at Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. Notably, Kasarani Stadium, Kenya’s primary venue, has been fitted with a new canopy.
President Ruto concluded by highlighting the historic opportunity at hand: “It is the first time in the history of football that Kenya is hosting CHAN. We want to make it double historic—not just by hosting, but by winning.”
With the stakes set high and national pride on the line, the Harambee Stars are poised to make history both on and off the pitch.
