Pres. Ruto promises to pay half-price for Harambee Stars affordable housing

President William Ruto Thursday pledged to ease the housing journey for Harambee Stars players by offering each of them a Ksh 1 million grant to cover half the cost of a two-bedroom affordable house.

With the homes capped at Ksh 2 million, players will be able to pay the balance through mortgage plans or a one-time cash-off payment, with the properties accessible in any part of the country.

President Ruto made the announcement when he treated the Harambee Stars players to a special luncheon at State House, in recognition of their inspiring run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Harambee Stars defied the odds in their debut tournament, progressing past the group stage in spectacular fashion.

Kenya topped Pool ‘A’ after drawing with Angola, defeating Zambia, and stunning two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo.

Their campaign ended heartbreakingly in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to eventual finalists Madagascar, but the spirited run has been hailed as a turning point in Kenyan football.

President Ruto said he was “immensely proud” of the team’s performance, commending the resilience and determination that enabled them to conquer such a tough group.

He emphasized that the lessons from CHAN 2024 will form the foundation for Harambee Stars’ preparations toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“The journey to AFCON 2027 starts now, built on resilience, belief, and the lessons you have shown the continent at CHAN,” said Ruto.

The President also reaffirmed recent announcements by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on enhanced reward packages for athletes.

Individual Olympic medallists will now receive Ksh 3 million for gold (up from KSh 750,000), KSh 2 million for silver (previously KSh 500,000), and KSh 1 million for bronze (up from KSh 250,000).

For team sports, the rewards have been raised to KSh 750,000, KSh 500,000, and KSh 350,000 for gold, silver, and bronze respectively—significantly higher than the previous caps.

Ruto tied the pledges to his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, noting that sports are a central pillar in nurturing talent and transforming lives.

Coach Benny McCarthy expressed gratitude, saying: “Football is a team sport, and without stakeholders’ support, Kenya would not have reached this far.”

Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed echoed the sentiments, praising the government’s commitment as a “foundation for the renaissance of Kenyan sports.”

CS Mvurya, speaking at the luncheon, underscored the need to uplift all disciplines, noting that representatives from athletics, volleyball, para volleyball, para powerlifting, rugby, and judo were also invited.

He said this inclusivity reflects the administration’s vision of a holistic sports culture.

For Harambee Stars, the housing pledge and recognition marked not just a reward but a reminder of what lies ahead—the pursuit of AFCON glory on home soil in 2027.