President William Ruto has significantly increased the incentives for Harambee Stars, delivering a strong morale boost as Kenya competes in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Following the team’s historic progression to the knockout stages—secured after a hard-fought victory over Morocco—the President met with the players to congratulate them and rally their spirits for the crunch matches ahead.

This meeting took place at the Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where Ruto praised the team's resilience. 

A Sweetened Victory Pot

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Ruto unveiled a clearly defined reward structure to keep the momentum going:

  • For Sunday’s match against Zambia: Each player will earn KSh 2.5 million if they come out victorious.

  • Quarter-Final Bonus: A KSh 1 million payout per player, plus a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choosing.

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President William Ruto visits Harambee Stars players on August 11, 2025 at Pullman Hotel, Nairobi.

Building on Earlier Promises

These new pledges add to a string of incentives made earlier in the tournament.

Ahead of their opening group-stage fixture, Ruto promised KSh 1 million per player for a win and KSh 500,000 for a draw, plus KSh 60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, KSh 70 million for the semi-finals, and a staggering KSh 600 million if the team lifts the CHAN title.

The President has already shown he is serious about delivering. Following the victory against DR Congo, KSh 42 million was disbursed—KSh 1 million each to the 27 players and 15 technical staff—in fulfilment of an earlier commitment.

ALSO READ: CHAN vs AFCON: Understanding the Big Two

President Ruto visits Harambee Stars to congratulate them on beating Morocco

Inspiration Beyond Borders

The news of these rewards has sparked admiration even from neighbouring countries.

A Ugandan football enthusiast commented on the positive impact of such incentives:

"Wow!! You're an amazing person and a practical president. The local-based players earn peanuts in our domestic leagues and perform under difficult conditions. So, making it to the national team takes real effort and sacrifice. It brings so much peace to see them being rewarded for withstanding hardships. Efforts and resilience always pays!!"