President William Ruto has offered a Sh600 million bonus to Harambee Stars if they win the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) with a perfect record. Kenya is co-hosting the event with Tanzania and Uganda. The tournament started yesterday and ends on August 30.
The opening match between Tanzania and Burkina Faso was played in Dar es Salaam. Nairobi will host the final. Today, Harambee Stars face DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium.
President Ruto met the team at Pullman Hotel in Nairobi and revised their bonus package. He said the earlier plan by the Sports Cabinet Secretary was to award Sh200 million, but he chose to triple it.
Under the new structure, each player will earn Sh1 million for every win and Sh500,000 for a draw. The 40-member team could earn Sh280 million if they win all their group matches. There will also be Sh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, Sh70 million for the semis, and Sh90 million for the final. If the team maintains a perfect record, they will take home Sh500 million, with an additional bonus promised for lifting the trophy.
Ruto sealed the deal with a pinky handshake from team captain Aboud Omar. He urged Kenyans to support the team, saying politics should take a back seat.
The pledge follows a meeting between the Sports Ministry and football legends. Former star Sammy Omollo called the support “unmatched” in Kenya’s football history.
Also read: Police Spokesperson Dismisses Call to Cut Women Recruitment
