- Harambee Stars stand to receive KSh 2.5 million each if they defeat Zambia in their final Group A match on Sunday, August 17, at MISC Kasarani Stadium.
- President Ruto has further pledged that if the team qualifies for the semifinals, each player will be awarded a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice, along with an additional KSh1 million cash bonus.
- Kenya currently tops Group A with seven points, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages of CHAN 2024.
- President Ruto supports Harambee Stars through this massive promise, will the Kenyan team scoop the prize?
Kenya’s men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, have everything to fight for after President William Ruto announced an increase in bonus prize money ahead of their final Group A fixture against Zambia in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
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The Harambee Stars have already recorded two impressive victories and a draw in the continental competition, which is being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Their strong performance has placed them at the top of Group A with seven points, bringing them within touching distance of a coveted quarterfinals berth.
President Ruto had earlier pledged financial incentives for every win and draw achieved in the tournament.
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Each victory earns every player and technical team member KSh1 million, while a draw guarantees KSh500,000.
True to his word, the Head of State has already honored these commitments.
Following their historic 1-0 win over Morocco on Sunday, Ruto disbursed a total of KSh42 million to the squad: KSh1 million for each of the 27 players and 15 technical staff.
Today, he (President Ruto) met the team to congratulate and motivate them and honoured his earlier promise by awarding KSh 1 million each to all 27 players and 15 technical bench members, a total of KSh 42 million, following their victory over Morocco yesterday,” confirmed State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on his social media platforms.
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Ruto raises the stakes ahead of Zambia vs Kenya clash
In a further show of commitment, President Ruto on Monday, August 11, pledged even more generous rewards.
Should the Harambee Stars defeat Zambia in their final group match, each player and technical staff member will receive KSh 2.5 million.
We’ve also agreed on rewards: A win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player KSh2.5 million.
President Ruto promises Harambee Stars KSh 1M & houses each for semifinal berth
Moreover, Ruto announced that if the team qualifies for the semifinals, each player will be gifted a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice, in addition to KSh1 million in cash.
If they triumph in the quarter-finals, each will be gifted KSh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice,” president Ruto stated.
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 will CHAN because it’s within close reach.”
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President Ruto’s bonuses for Harambee Stars in CHAN 2024 upcoming fixtures
- Zambia vs Kenya: A win guarantees KSh2.5 million for each of the 42 team members (players and technical staff).
- Reaching the semifinals: Each player will receive KSh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable house in a location of their choice.
- Advancing Past the Semifinals/Reaching the finals: Each will be awarded an additional KSh1 million and a three-bedroom house in a location of their choice.
Group of Death – Kenya defies the odds
Kenya was drawn into a challenging group, facing off against former two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco, alongside regional heavyweights Angola and Zambia.
Despite the tough competition, Harambee Stars have shown resilience and skill.
Their qualification hopes will partly depend on midweek results.
Zambia, still seeking their first win, will take on Morocco who have three points. A Moroccan defeat would favor Kenya’s position.
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Meanwhile, DR Congo will lock horns with Angola in another decisive clash.
A stalemate in that fixture would further strengthen Kenya’s standing ahead of their showdown with Zambia.
President Ruto supports Harambee stars and this will make them work extra hard for the promise. The winnings are life changing and the players will go out of their way to gain the huge prizes. It will change the scope of football in Kenya.