Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged a hefty cash reward to Harambee Stars players as they gear up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking at a public event, the flamboyant politician pledged to add Ksh 400 million to the national team’s reward package if they go on to win the tournament, reinforcing President William Ruto’s earlier promise.
“The president has made a generous gesture, and it will definitely boost the players’ morale,” Sonko said. “My offer is simply to strengthen that support, not to compete with the president. I want to see our team lift the title.”
He assured the team and Kenyans that his word is solid: “If Harambee Stars win the tournament, I, Mike Sonko, will add Ksh 400 million to what the president has already pledged. That brings the total to Ksh 1 billion, and I don’t make empty promises.”
Sonko also called on other leaders to show similar commitment by offering tangible support as the team competes in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Stars Off to a Winning Start
President Ruto had met the Harambee Stars at State House on Saturday, August 2, just hours before their opening CHAN match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of state laid out a mouthwatering incentive plan to motivate the squad.
“I want us to make a deal,” Ruto told the team. “For every game you win, every player gets Ksh 1 million. For every game you draw, every player gets Ksh 500,000”
He also raised the team’s bonus for reaching the finals from Ksh 200 million to Ksh 600 million, saying he had “multiplied everything” to inspire excellence.
“We had agreed that the team would get Ksh 200 million for making it to the finals. But I make it Ksh 600,000 if you make it to the finals. I have multiplied everything for everyone to play their part,” the president said.
Each stage of the tournament will come with its own reward:
- Quarter-finals: Ksh 60 million
- Semi-finals: Ksh 70 million
- Finals: Ksh 90 million
Ruto’s motivational message seems to have worked. On Sunday, August 3, the Harambee Stars edged out DR Congo’s Les Léopards with a narrow 1-0 victory at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
With their campaign off to a strong start and record-breaking incentives on the table, the national team now has more than pride to play for.
