Harambee Stars Multi-Million CHAN 2024 Bonuses: Where the Money is Coming From

With President William Ruto’s pledge to reward Harambee Stars players millions in bonuses at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), questions have been raised over the source of funds.

President Ruto has promised every player and members of the technical bench Ksh500,000 for a draw and Ksh1 million per victory, both at the group stage, while Ksh60 million is waiting for them if they make it to the quarter-final.

A semi-final appearance for Harambee Stars will make the team Ksh70 million richer while Ksh600 million will be their reward if they become CHAN 2024 champions.

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Benni McCarthy’s team have already pocketed Ksh1 million following their opening day win over DR Congo on Sunday and they could be Ksh2 million richer in five days if they beat Angola in their next match on Thursday night.

However, the source of funds has raised eyebrows among a section of Kenyans amid a cash crunch within the government but Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has now clarified how this huge outlay is being financed.

“Paying Harambee Stars isn’t new. We pay those who break records. We have a Sh70 million budget to pay winners,” Mwangi said as quoted by Eastleigh Voice.

While the ministry will cater for part of the bonuses through the annual budget, being Ksh70 million, Mwangi also confirmed that President Ruto has committed Ksh530 million of his own money if the team wins CHAN 2024.

That takes the figure to Ksh600 million being the amount promised to Harambee Stars if they win CHAN 2024 although the rest of the amount, being the draw and win bonuses for group stage matches, quarter-final and semi-finals has not been clarified yet.

What is certain is that Harambee Stars are hugely motivated and will put their best foot forward to ensure they continue winning to pocket the big bonuses on offer.