Harvest time for Harambee Stars players
Sports
By
Robert Abong’o
| Aug 29, 2025
President William Ruto (left), Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and captain Abud Omar at State House, Nairobi, on August 28, 2025. [PCS]
Every Harambee Stars player and technical staff members will receive a two-bedroom house under the affordable housing scheme, but will have to foot half of the bill.
President William Ruto on Thursday made the announcement during a luncheon at State House where players and staff were feted for their exemplary performance in the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan 2024).
The team defied all odds and made it to the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament, which for the first time, was co-hosted by three East African nations.
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Throughout the tournament, Benni McCarthy’s charges bagged mouth-watering amounts of cash with each win or draw, totalling to Sh5.5 million.
President Ruto, in total, offset Sh210 million to the team in rewards.
A win against DR Congo earned each player Sh1 million, while the 1-1 draw against Angola saw Sh500,000 being deposited into their respective bank accounts.
They added an extra million each by beating Morocco, and doubled up on their luck after the hard-fought win over Chipolopolo, where the President offered Sh2.5 million to each member of the national team.
President William Ruto and Harambee Stars players at State House, Nairobi, on August 28, 2025. [PCS]
They were then promised Sh2.5 million, with a two-bedroomed house under Ruto’s housing programme, if they beat Madagascar.
Ruto offered the players a chance to get a housing unit, but asked that they foot half the amount or opt to take a mortgage and repay the remaining amount over 20 years.
“The two-bedroomed house that we agreed on in our current arrangement costs Sh2 million. We are going to pay half that amount for you. You pay the other million or we will give you a mortgage that you can pay over 20 years,” said Ruto.
Ruto also promised to build 25 new stadiums before Africa Cup of Nations.