Sonko pledges Sh400 million to Harambee Stars if they win CHAN

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko/SCREENGRAB

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged a staggering Sh400 million reward to the Harambee Stars if they win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The amount adds to President William Ruto’s earlier promise of Sh600 million.

The total potential payout now stands at Sh1 billion—the highest-ever cash incentive for a Kenyan national team.

Speaking after Ruto’s meeting with the squad on August 2, Sonko said his offer is not a competition with the Head of State but rather a show of support for the national team.

“The President has done a good gesture; it will motivate the players. I am not in competition with the President, but mine will be just to support his gesture,” Sonko said.

“I want our team to clinch the trophy. If they do that, I will give them Sh400 million. Boys, you have Sh1 billion if you win.”

Sonko, known for his flamboyant philanthropy, recalled how he has previously rewarded players for individual performance but noted that such incentives sometimes undermine team play.

“Other times I used to reward players for every goal scored. But that at some point can bring individualism in the team. A player may waste an opportunity when he could have passed the ball to another who has the highest chance of scoring,” he said.

He also urged other leaders to rally behind the team by offering tangible motivation.

Ruto had visited the national team at their training camp ahead of their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), set for Sunday, August 3, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

During his visit, Ruto unveiled a generous reward structure: Sh1 million per player for every win, Sh500,000 for a draw, and Sh600 million if the team lifts the CHAN trophy—tripling the earlier promised Sh200 million.

“I want us to make a deal. For every game you win, every player gets Sh1 million. For every game you draw, every player gets Sh500,000. We had agreed that the team would get Sh200 million for making it to the finals. But I make it Sh600 million if you win the competition,” Ruto said.

The high stakes and show of support have electrified the national mood as Harambee Stars prepare for what could be a historic campaign on home soil.