Ruto's millions fuel Harambee Stars' dream run in CHAN 2024

If the President’s promise is anything to go by, then Harambee Stars are sitting on Sh210 million.

This follows their good performance in the ongoing CHAN 2024 co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

On this lies the motivation flowing from President Ruto’s open pledge of financial rewards for every milestone achieved.

Before the first whistle in the CHAN 2024 tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, President Ruto had pledged Sh1 million for every win and Sh500,000 for a draw.

Drawn in the Group of Death with football heavy weight DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia and Angola, it was an unprecedented gesture that many initially dismissed as mere political cheerleading. But for the players, the promise was more than just money; it was validation of their effort.

However, the team exhibited one of their best ever tournament runs as they finished top and unbeaten in the preliminaries collecting 10 points in four games. 

In their opening match at Kasarani on August 3, Stars stunned two-time champions DR Congo with a solitary goal picking the maximum three points of the match.

Their next match against Angola saw them reduced to 10 men but still resilient enough to grind out a draw. The spoils were shared, but the team pocketed another half-a-million each, as promised.

Then came Morocco, a powerhouse many thought would sweep through the group. Yet, on August 10, Harambee Stars triumphed again. Ruto himself showed up a day later to meet the players.

On August 17, Harambee Stars held their nerve against Zambia’s Chipolopolo. A single goal separated the two sides, sealing Kenya’s place at the top of the group.

The win not only kept their dream alive but also delivered on their promise to the Head of State.

In total, each player now expects Sh5 million from the three wins and one draw. For a squad of 42, the collective figure stands at Sh210 million an astronomical incentive rarely seen in Kenyan football.

President Ruto, who has made several appearances at Stars’ matches, said his motivation stems from a bigger vision.The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed credited Harambee Stars’ strong performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to a combination of financial incentives and personal motivation from President William Ruto.

He said the Head of State has pledged two-bedroom apartments to the team if they win the quarterfinals against Madagascar on August 22, a promise the players say has fuelled their determination.

“There are other things you may not be aware of that they are gaining in their personal lives courtesy of the President. Over 60 percent of the success of the team is directly related to his motivation and incentives,” Mohammed said.

“Nobody can contradict his promise. He has been giving out rewards immediately after the game. I have personally witnessed him fulfilling his pledges.”

Mohammed explained that the promise of rewards and Ruto’s presence around the team have transformed the national side’s mentality.

“The revenue incentives are key. The players are looking forward to delivering in this CHAN. I think there is no bigger motivator than monetary reward,” he said.