Ruto Pledges Ksh2.5M Per Player if Harambee Stars Beat Zambia, More for Quarter-Final Win

Kenya's Harambee Stars are riding a wave of national pride at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, fuelled not only by their on-pitch success but also by President William Ruto's significant pledges.  

Following a stunning 1-0 victory over top-ranked Morocco, a match that saw Ryan Wesley Ogam etch his name into Kenyan footballing folklore, Ruto has amplified his commitment to rewarding the national team's endeavours. Ruto, speaking at a Nairobi hotel, has reaffirmed his initial promise of Ksh1 million per player for each group stage match. But he has significantly raised the stakes, offering an additional reward for their concluding group fixture against Zambia. 

This is not all, the President has boldly pledged both Ksh1 million and a government-subsidised affordable housing unit to each player should the Harambee Stars progress beyond the quarter-finals. The President’s remarks also answer the calls from players, notably goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, who voiced the team’s keen interest in the housing commitments made earlier. 

Ruto assures the team that the necessary arrangements would be put in place to facilitate their access to government housing schemes. Kenya, co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, currently lead Group A with seven points. 

Their impressive performance, including a narrow victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo and a draw with Angola, has defied pre-tournament expectations. The possibility of a tantalising regional derby looms large, with Kenya potentially facing Tanzania in the next round, following the Taifa Stars' dominant performance in Group B.