In a rousing show of patriotism and belief in Kenya’s footballing future, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged a jaw-dropping Sh400 million to the Harambee Stars—on one condition: they must bring home the 2024 CHAN trophy.
This powerful promise comes hot on the heels of President William Ruto’s bold incentive of Sh600 million, bringing the total potential reward to Sh1 billion—an unprecedented windfall in the history of Kenyan sports.
For a team that has long carried the hopes of a football-hungry nation, this moment feels different. The stakes are higher. The dream is bigger. And now, the entire country is watching.
Sonko, never one to shy away from grand gestures, made it clear his offer isn’t about outshining anyone—but about standing with the team when it matters most:
“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.”
“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.”
His words weren’t just generous—they were electrifying!
And they echoed through a nation desperate for a breakthrough moment in football. A new era of belief is being born, not just from talent on the pitch, but from leaders stepping up to fuel the flame.
Sonko, known for rewarding individual brilliance in the past, acknowledged that team unity must now take center stage:
“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.”
And in a direct call to action, he challenged other leaders: “I urge other leaders to rally behind the team by offering tangible motivation.”
This surge of support follows President Ruto’s own electrifying visit to the team at their Kasarani training camp, just before their CHAN opener against DRC. His message was bold, unapologetic, and clear:
“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.”
It’s more than money. It’s belief. It’s pressure. And it’s history in the making.
As the Harambee Stars prepare to step onto the pitch on home soil, the nation stands behind them—not just with hope, but with Sh1 billion worth of reasons to go all the way.
This is your moment, Stars. Kenya believes. Now bring it home!
