Ruto vows to honour Ksh2.5M promise to each Harambee Stars player
By Nancy Marende, August 17, 2025President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to reward Harambee Stars players with Ksh2.5 million each, following their win against Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
Kenya, already assured of progression to the quarter-finals before the game, sealed the top spot in Group A after substitute Boniface Muchiri released a perfectly timed pass to Ryan Ogam, who controlled it calmly before blasting past the Zambian keeper in the 75th minute.
In a statement on Sunday, August 17, 2025, Ruto stated that at the start of the competition, few expected Kenya to progress past the group stages, but it has defied all odds.
“At the beginning of the CHAN tournament, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called “Group of Death”. Yet, our boys have triumphed,” he said.
“By overcoming football giants of the continent, our boys have shown the world what it truly means to believe in ourselves. They have proven that Kenya is an ambitious nation, destined for greatness, if only we embrace faith, courage, focus, and hard work,” he added.
Ruto, in a celebratory message, lauded the team’s resilience, describing their success as a testament to Kenya’s spirit of courage, hard work, and belief.
“Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country in celebration. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less , just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory,” he added.
“As for me ,nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa,” Ruto declared, assuring players and fans alike that his pledge of Ksh2.5 million per player will be fulfilled.
The incentives
The Head of State had earlier in the week promised to increase the team’s incentives after beating Morocco.
In addition, Ruto promised to award each Harambee Stars player Ksh1 million and an affordable housing unit should they secure a victory in the quarter-final
“We’ve also agreed on rewards: a win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player Ksh2.5 million. If they triumph in the quarterfinals, each will be gifted Ksh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice,” Ruto said.