President William Ruto has pledged to ease the path to homeownership for Harambee Stars players by offering each of them a KSh 1 million grant under the Affordable Housing Programme. The grant will cover half the cost of a two-bedroom unit, capped at KSh 2 million, with players paying the balance through mortgage plans or lump-sum payments.
The announcement came on Thursday during a special luncheon at State House, where the President hosted the national football team in recognition of their remarkable run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Harambee Stars defied expectations in their maiden appearance at the tournament, topping Pool ‘A’ after holding Angola, defeating Zambia, and stunning two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo. Their spirited campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout defeat to eventual finalists Madagascar, but the performance has been widely hailed as a turning point for Kenyan football.
“I am immensely proud of the resilience and belief you displayed,” said President Ruto. “The journey to AFCON 2027 starts now, built on the lessons you showed the continent at CHAN.”
The President had initially promised each player a two-bedroom house if the team reached the quarterfinals, with an additional KSh 1 million grant if they advanced. Although the dream ended at the last eight, Ruto reaffirmed his support, tying the pledge to his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which highlights sports as a tool for nurturing talent and transforming lives.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya used the occasion to unveil enhanced reward packages for athletes. Olympic medallists will now earn KSh 3 million for gold, KSh 2 million for silver, and KSh 1 million for bronze. In team sports, gold medalists will receive KSh 750,000, silver KSh 500,000, and bronze KSh 350,000 significantly higher than previous rewards.
Coach Benny McCarthy lauded the gesture, noting the importance of government support in driving sporting success. Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed praised the initiative as the foundation of a “renaissance in Kenyan sports.”
For the Harambee Stars, the housing pledge symbolizes not just a reward, but renewed hope as they prepare for the ultimate test pursuing AFCON 2027 glory on home soil.
