Nairobi Businessman Pledges Sh400 Million to Harambee Stars for 2024 CHAN Victory

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged a jaw-dropping Sh400 million reward to the Harambee Stars if they win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The generous promise, coming on the heels of President William Ruto’s earlier Sh600 million pledge, now raises the potential prize pot to a historic Sh1 billion—the largest-ever incentive package offered to a Kenyan sports team.

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Speaking after President Ruto met with the Harambee Stars squad on August 2, Sonko was quick to dispel any notion of rivalry with the Head of State.

“The President has done a good gesture; it will motivate the players. I am not in competition with the President, but mine will be just to support his gesture,” Sonko said.

The flamboyant businessman, known for his high-profile acts of philanthropy, emphasized that his offer was purely meant to encourage the team to go all the way and bring the continental trophy home.

“I want our team to clinch the trophy. If they do that, I will give them Sh400 million. Boys, you have Sh1 billion if you win,” he added.

Sonko reflected on his past practice of rewarding players individually for goals scored, acknowledging that such incentives—though well-intentioned—could disrupt team cohesion.

“Other times I used to reward players for every goal scored. But that at some point can bring individualism in the team. A player may waste an opportunity when he could have passed the ball to another who has the highest chance of scoring,” he said.

He urged other political and business leaders to step forward and support the national team through meaningful contributions that would inspire unity and collective ambition.

The stakes for the CHAN tournament are sky-high, particularly as Kenya is playing host. The national mood has reached fever pitch, with excitement coursing through social media, sports circles, and the general public.

President Ruto’s visit to the Harambee Stars training camp added another layer of motivation.

With a reward structure that includes Sh1 million per player for every win, Sh500,000 for a draw, and Sh600 million if they lift the trophy, the Head of State’s show of faith in the team has been widely praised.

“I want us to make a deal. For every game you win, every player gets Sh1 million. For every game you draw, every player gets Sh500,000. We had agreed that the team would get Sh200 million for making it to the finals. But I make it Sh600 million if you win the competition,” Ruto said during the visit.

The Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, August 3, at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.