The government has disbursed Ksh42 million to the Harambee Stars following their win against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening game of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday August 3.
Despite President William Ruto promising the players Ksh1 million each for every tournament win, questions remained over how many players would receive the reward, given that the Harambee Stars squad for the tournament comprises 27 players.
These questions were answered on Monday, August 4, when State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed confirmed that the government had honoured its promise to the Harambee Stars players by disbursing Ksh42 million.
In his statement, Mohammed confirmed that each player, including reserve players and substitutes, would receive Ksh1 million, with members of the technical bench also set to be feted with a similar amount.
"President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team's 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday," the statement reads in part.
Following the disbursement of the funds, the Mohammed reiterated that similar rewards awaited Harambee Stars players and the technical team if they recorded another victory in their second group game against Angola on Thursday, August 7.
Kenya's victory against the DRC came courtesy of a solitary goal by Gor Mahia playmaker Austine Odhiambo, who struck at the stroke of half-time with a lovely solo effort in the bottom right corner.
The Harambee Stars had a slight edge over the DRC thanks to the immense support from tens of thousands of fans, who flocked the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani to support the national team.
Kenya's co-hosts for the 2024 CHAN, Tanzania and Uganda, also incentivised their players with hefty payouts in exchange for good performances at the tournament.
Yoweri Museveni's government promised the Cranes of Uganda Ksh301 Million if they masterminded a victory in the 2024 CHAN tournament, while Tanzania promised its players Ksh51 million for the same CHAN trophy.
Kenya has the highest incentive among the host nations, as President Ruto promised to fete the squad with a total of Ksh600 million should they win the tournament.
To proceed to the knockouts of the 2024 CHAN, Kenya's fate is in their hands after the victory against the DRC.
Benni McCarthy's side will play Angola on Thursday, before arguably their toughest game of the group against Morocco on Sunday, August 10. The stars round up their group games with a clash against Zambia on August 17.
