NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Thursday pledged to ease the home-ownership journey for Harambee Stars players by offering each a Ksh 1 million grant, covering half the cost of a two-bedroom affordable house.
With the homes valued at Ksh 2 million, players will be able to pay the balance through mortgage plans or a one-time cash payment, with properties available across the country.
President Ruto made the announcement during a special luncheon at State House, where he recognized the team’s inspiring run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In their debut tournament, Harambee Stars defied expectations by topping Pool ‘A’ after drawing with Angola, defeating Zambia, and stunning two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo.
Although their campaign ended in a heartbreaking quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to eventual finalists Madagascar, their spirited performance has been hailed as a turning point for Kenyan football.
The President had previously promised each player a two-bedroom house under the Affordable Housing Programme, with an additional Ksh 1 million if they won the quarterfinals.
During the luncheon, President Ruto said he was “immensely proud” of the team’s performance, commending their resilience and determination in conquering such a tough group.
He emphasized that the lessons learned from CHAN 2024 will be the foundation for Harambee Stars’ preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“The journey to AFCON 2027 starts now, built on resilience, belief, and the lessons you have shown the continent at CHAN,” said Ruto.
The President also reaffirmed recent announcements by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya regarding enhanced reward packages for athletes.
Individual Olympic medalists will now receive a reward of Ksh 3 million for gold (up from Ksh 750,000), Ksh 2 million for silver (up from Ksh 500,000), and Ksh 1 million for bronze (up from Ksh 250,000). For team sports, the rewards have also been raised significantly: to Ksh 750,000, Ksh 500,000, and Ksh 350,000 for gold, silver, and bronze, respectively.
Also Read: Kenyan president pledges Ksh 600m bonus to Harambee Stars for CHAN 2024 victory
Ruto linked these pledges to his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, noting that sports are a central pillar for nurturing talent and transforming lives.
Coach Benny McCarthy expressed his gratitude, saying, “Football is a team sport, and without stakeholders’ support, Kenya would not have reached this far.” Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed echoed these sentiments, praising the government’s commitment as a “foundation for the renaissance of Kenyan sports.”
CS Mvurya, speaking at the luncheon, underscored the need to support all disciplines, noting that representatives from athletics, volleyball, para-volleyball, para powerlifting, rugby, and judo were also invited. He said that this inclusivity reflects the administration’s vision of a holistic sports culture.
For the Harambee Stars, the housing pledge and recognition are not just a reward but a powerful reminder of the journey ahead—the pursuit of AFCON glory on home soil in 2027.
