Ruto Pledges Half-Price Affordable Housing for Harambee Stars

President William Ruto has promised 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 units capped at Ksh 2 million, players will only be required to settle the remaining balance either through a mortgage plan or a one-off cash payment. The houses will be accessible in any part of the country under the Affordable Housing Programme.

What reward did Harambee Stars earn after CHAN 2024?

The pledge was made during a luncheon at the State House in honor of the Harambee Stars, who made a historic run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Kenya topped Pool A’ after drawing with Angola, beating Zambia, and stunning Morocco and DR Congo. Their journey ended in the quarterfinals following a penalty shootout loss to Madagascar, but the spirited campaign was hailed as a breakthrough moment for Kenyan football.

President Ruto said he was “immensely proud” of the team’s performance and resilience, reaffirming his earlier promise of housing support and linking it to the players’ growth ahead of 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,” he stated.

How is the government improving athlete rewards?

Alongside the housing pledge, Ruto confirmed new reward packages for athletes. Olympic medalists will now receive Ksh 3 million for gold, Ksh 2 million for silver, and Ksh 1 million for bronze. For team sports, athletes will be awarded Ksh 750,000, Ksh 500,000, and Ksh 350,000 for gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya emphasized inclusivity by ensuring representatives from athletics, volleyball, para volleyball, para powerlifting, rugby, and judo were also recognized.

Coach Benny McCarthy praised the initiative, saying: “Football is a team sport, and without stakeholders’ support, Kenya would not have reached this far.” Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed described the government’s commitment as the “foundation for the renaissance of Kenyan sports.”

By Yockshard Enyendi