NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced a substantial cash incentive for the Harambee Stars, promising each player and member of the technical bench KSh 2.5 million if they defeat Zambia in their upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) match on Sunday, August 17.
The president made the announcement during a visit to the team at Pullman Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi on Monday 11, August 2025 following their recent 1-0 victory over Morocco. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to win and urged them to secure another victory.
“Sunday, I want us to have a new deal. God willing, we are winning. If we win, each person will get Sh2.5 million, including the technical bench,” he said.
Ruto also promised additional rewards if the team wins their quarter-final match. “For the quarters, if we win, on top of the Sh1 million, I will add the affordable housing you have asked for,” he told the players.
This high-stakes fixture against Zambia will be Kenya’s final game in the group stages. The Harambee Stars have already secured their place in the quarter-finals after an impressive run.
Their historic 1-0 win against two-time champions Morocco was a highlight of their campaign. The decisive goal was scored by Ryan Ogam in the 42nd minute.
The team, led by coach Benni McCarthy, showed remarkable resilience throughout the match. Despite playing with ten men for the entire second half after Chrispine Erambo’s red card, they defended their lead with resolve.
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi also made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline intact. This victory, combined with a 1-0 win over DR Congo and a 1-1 draw with Angola, puts Kenya at the top of Group A with seven points, on the cusp of a historic quarter-final berth in their tournament debut.
The president’s new incentives aim to boost the team’s momentum as they seek to build on this success.
President Ruto praised the team’s resilience, telling them, “Once again, the resilient, indomitable Kenyan spirit has roared to life at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani! Harambee Stars stood tall, defying the odds to defeat one of the tournament’s giants – Morocco – even after being reduced to 10 men for much of the match.”
Also Read: Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy hails ‘incredible fans’ after 1-0 win over Morocco
The President’s meeting with the team came after he had promised a financial reward for their success. He reiterated his pledge to give each player KSh 1 million for every match won and KSh 500,000 for a draw.
“I told Harambee Stars that in every game they win, every player will walk away with Sh1 million, if they draw, they get Sh500,000,” he said. After the victory, he humorously added, “Congratulations to our boys – mumecheza kama nyinyi. Sasa nitacheza kama mimi!” (Congratulations to our boys—you’ve played like yourselves. Now I’ll play like myself!).
The decisive goal came from Ryan Ogam in the 42nd minute. The team’s next challenge is against Zambia in their final group stage match, but their position at the top of Group A has already guaranteed their spot in the next round of the competition.
