Ruto rewards Harambee Stars with Sh42 million after Sunday’s win against DR Congo

President William Ruto with Harambee Stars players /PCS

President William Ruto has honoured his pledge to reward Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench following Sunday’s win against DR Congo.

A statement from State House confirmed the reward and noted that the funds were released through the Ministry of Sports as a token of appreciation and encouragement to the team.

“The Sports Ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola,” said State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

The President had promised to financially reward the national team for each victory in the CHAN tournament—a gesture aimed at boosting morale and recognising the players’ efforts in representing the country.

Sunday’s win at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was sealed by a first-half strike from Austin Odhiambo, securing Kenya's first-ever win in a CHAN match and igniting hopes of progression from Group A.

As Kenya prepares to face Angola in their next group match on Thursday, anticipation is high—both for a second victory and another round of presidential rewards.

A win would place Harambee Stars in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the theme CHAN PAMOJA 2024.

The reward scheme has been widely praised by fans and sports stakeholders as a practical show of support for local footballers, many of whom often play under financially constrained conditions.

In neighbouring Tanzania, President Samia Suhulu Hassan wasted little time in keeping her promise of rewarding Taifa Stars following their successful start to the tournament.

Tanzania began their CHAN 2024 tournament in fine fashion when they beat Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

Suluhu’s reward scheme has kicked in as she had promised the team Tsh10 million (Sh500,000) for every goal scored at the group stage and quarter-finals.

The team was rewarded in cash with Tsh20 million (Sh1 million) for their two goals