Many top Kenyan footballers explore overseas opportunities, where the game is believed to pay better compared to the Kenyan league.
Soccer stars who leave the country for abroad not only enjoy their crafts but also get better remuneration and that the local league cannot match the terms in all aspects.
In the USA, soccer is the third-most played team sport, with its own major soccer tournament known as Major League Soccer (MLS) where some Kenyan internationals have made a name for themselves.
Even as the local footballers whine over poor or late payment of salaries, their counterparts in the United States seem to have hit lucrative career jackpots and are earning seven-figure salaries.
Some of the Kenyans playing in MLS pocket up to Ksh22 million a month. Here is a list of some of these soccer stars living their dream in US.
Victor Wanyama
Former Harambee stars captain who now plays for CF Montreal and was given the captain arm's band this season earns a monthly salary of about Ksh22 million.
Wanyama’s annual salary according to the MLS Players Association is noted to be Ksh266,640,000 ($2,400,000) and his annual guaranteed compensation rising to Ksh343,484,000 ($3,091,667).
The annual guaranteed compensation includes a player's base salary, all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, any marketing bonus and any agent's fees.
Philip Mayaka
Philip Mayaka who recently joined Harambee Stars squad for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifiers earns a monthly income of Ksh751,820.
Mayaka, who plays in the Middlefield position at Colorado Rapids but on loan to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. earns an annual salary of Ksh9,021,850 ($81,375) and an annual guaranteed salary of Ksh10,463,129 (94,375).
Handwalla Bwana
Handwalla Bwana a Kenyan born footballer who plays in forward position joined Nashville SC on October 21, 2020, earns a monthly salary of Ksh789,414.
For Handwalla his annual salary and annual guaranteed compensation have no difference thus amounting to Ksh9,472,971($85,444).
Nabilai Kibunguchy
Nabilai Kibunguchy practices his craft at a soccer team known as Minnesota United earning a monthly salary of Ksh587,104.
The Kenyan forward receives an annual salary inclusive of guaranteed compensation amounting to Ksh7,045,303 ($63,547).
