CHAN 2024: President Ruto Puts Condition on Affordable Housing Units for Harambee Stars Players

Harambee Stars have been promised life-changing rewards as President Ruto unveils a major initiative supporting athletes’ welfare and future.

President William Ruto has announced that the government will cover half the cost of affordable housing units promised to Harambee Stars players as part of a new reward scheme for their gallant display at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Head of State made the announcement during a luncheon at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted the national football team following their spirited run in the tournament.

Kenya defied the odds to top their group, dubbed the “group of death”, before being eliminated at the quarterfinal stage.

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Ruto hailed the team’s resilience, unity, and determination, saying their performance had inspired the nation and demonstrated the potential of Kenyan athletes on the continental stage.

At the centre of his announcement was the promise of affordable housing units for Harambee Stars players, with the government stepping in to meet half the cost.

“The two-bedroom house that we have agreed on in affordable housing costs Ksh2 million. We are going to pay for you half that amount, which is Ksh1 million. Alternatively, we will be giving you a mortgage which you can pay for over 20 years, and that would translate to a payment of Ksh2,000 or Ksh3,000 every month,” Ruto stated.

Strictly Houses, Not Cash

The President further made it clear that the reward would not be convertible into cash but strictly issued as housing units.

“There is no room for exchanging the house for money. There is only the house, and you will get a chance to choose a house in a town of your choice, be it Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or wherever you want,” he added.

The initiative, he explained, was not a handout but a structured benefit aimed at reducing financial pressure on players, while offering them long-term value in line with the affordable housing agenda.

In addition to housing, Ruto confirmed sweeping enhancements in cash reward packages for Kenyan athletes across various disciplines.

Olympic gold medalists will now pocket Ksh3 million, up from Ksh750,000, silver medalists Ksh2 million, up from Ksh500,000, while bronze winners will take home Ksh1 million, nearly triple the previous Ksh350,000 award.

Bigger Packages for Teams and Individuals

For team sports, the reward per athlete has risen significantly, with gold medalists receiving Ksh750,000, silver medalists Ksh500,000, and bronze winners Ksh375,000.

The Sports Cabinet Secretary, working with the Awards and Recognition Committee, has also been empowered to issue winning bonuses of up to Ksh2.5 million for teams and athletes securing qualifications for major tournaments.

Beyond incentives, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports infrastructure and reforms.

He highlighted ongoing renovations at Kasarani, Nyayo, Eliud Kipchoge, Bukhungu, and Raila Odinga stadiums, alongside the development of Talanta Sports City.

He also underscored reforms in policy and governance, pointing to a review of the Sports Policy of 2005 and the Sports Act of 2013, which will address athlete welfare, doping control, transparency, and integration of technology.

Calling for unity, corporate support, and long-term investment, Ruto said the ultimate vision was to position Kenya as a continental sports powerhouse with eyes set firmly on hosting and excelling at AFCON 2027.

“At the same time, we are reviewing the Sports Policy of 2005 and the Sports Act of 2013 to create a more inclusive, transparent, and commercially viable sports ecosystem. These reforms will address governance, athlete welfare, doping control, and the integration of technology in modern sports management,” Ruto announced.