President William Ruto has raised the stakes for Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, promising each player Ksh2.5 million if they secure victory against Zambia in their final Group A clash of the African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).
Speaking at the Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Monday, August 11, 2025, the President met the players to congratulate them on their impressive 1-0 victory against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the previous day.
Bigger Rewards for Key Group A Clash
President Ruto, who had earlier pledged Ksh1 million for every group stage win, decided to increase the amount for the crucial final group match against Zambia.
“The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve. They have brought the country together, and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation. We stand behind you, praying that this time we win CHAN because it’s within close reach,” said Ruto.
The President told the players that victory in the last group match would not only boost national pride but also put them in a stronger position for the knockout stages.
Quarter-Final Incentives: Cash and Affordable Housing
In a further incentive, President Ruto pledged Ksh1 million and an affordable housing unit for each player if they manage to win their quarter-final match.
This comes after the players, led by goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, reminded the President of their interest in the government’s affordable housing program following their earlier 1-0 win against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ruto assured them that his administration would explore ways to ensure they benefit from the initiative, linking the pledge to performance on the pitch.
Exceeding Expectations in CHAN 2024
The Harambee Stars have impressed in CHAN 2024, defying pre-tournament predictions that they would struggle in a tough group. Kenya is co-hosting the competition alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The team opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against the DRC, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola, before their standout performance — a 1-0 triumph over Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team according to the latest FIFA rankings.
Morocco Upset: Ten-Man Kenya Prevail
The Morocco clash was widely seen as a major test for the Harambee Stars. Playing with 10 men for much of the match, Kenya held their own and sealed the win thanks to a decisive goal from Ryan Wesley Ogam.
This victory cemented Kenya’s place at the top of Group A with seven points from three games, putting them on the brink of qualification for the quarter-finals.
Financial Rewards Already Flowing
From the first three matches alone, and based on the President’s initial Ksh1 million-per-win promise, each player has already earned Ksh2.5 million — Ksh1 million for the win against the DRC, Ksh500,000 for the draw against Angola, and Ksh1 million for the win against Morocco.
The new bonus structure means the Zambia match could see their total earnings rise significantly before the knockout stages even begin.
Group A Standings and Quarter-Final Prospects
As of August 11, Kenya lead Group A with seven points, followed by Morocco and Angola, who still have mathematical chances of topping the group. However, for either team to dislodge Kenya, results elsewhere would have to go their way.
The Harambee Stars’ consistent performances and fighting spirit have boosted public optimism that Kenya could secure its first CHAN title.
National Unity Through Football
President Ruto praised the team’s role in uniting the country, saying their performances were giving Kenyans a sense of pride and hope.
“We are all behind you, praying that you lift the trophy. This is more than football — it is about showing the world what Kenya can achieve when we are united,” the President said.
Public and Social Media Reaction
Kenyans have taken to social media to celebrate the team’s performances and the President’s pledges. Hashtags such as #HarambeeStars and #RoadToCHANGlory have been trending, with fans urging the players to remain focused and disciplined ahead of the Zambia match.
Some have also praised the government for backing sports through financial incentives, while others cautioned that the rewards should be matched by long-term investment in grassroots football.
What’s Next for Harambee Stars
Kenya faces Zambia in their final group match, knowing that a win will not only confirm their place at the top of Group A but also earn them one of the biggest player bonuses in recent history.
If they progress to the quarter-finals and win, the players will have the added reward of affordable housing — a unique incentive that could make this CHAN campaign one of the most rewarding in the country’s football history.