Kenya, Aug. 29 -- Harambee Stars players from the CHAN 2024 squad have been promised a significant boost toward homeownership, with President William Ruto announcing that the government will contribute Ksh 1 million toward a two-bedroom affordable housing unit for each player, who must pay the remaining Ksh 1 million.
However, the players are still awaiting the fulfilment of a separate Ksh 60 million cash promise made by Ruto for reaching the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. The unfulfilled promise and affordable housing initiative have sparked discussions among fans about the government's commitment to its athletes.
The CHAN 2024 campaign marked a historic moment for Harambee Stars, who topped a challenging group featuring Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
Despite their quarter-final exit against Madagascar in a 4-3 penalty shootout, the team's performance earned widespread praise. During a State House luncheon on August 28, 2025, Ruto outlined the affordable housing plan, emphasising that each two-bedroom unit, valued at Ksh 2 million under the Affordable Housing Programme, would be partially funded by the government.
Players can either pay the remaining Ksh 1 million upfront or opt for a 20-year mortgage at Ksh 2,000-3,000 monthly, making homeownership accessible.
The affordable housing initiative ties into Ruto's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which views sports as a tool for economic empowerment.
The promise, first made after Kenya's 1-0 victory over DR Congo, was warmly received, with reserve goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo raising the request during a team visit.
However, the KSh 60 million cash promise, tied to the team's quarter-final achievement, remains unfulfilled, prompting concerns among players. Fans reflect frustration, with some questioning the delay and others praising the housing initiative as a step toward long-term athlete welfare.
The delay in the Ksh 60 million promise has fueled doubts, with players like captain Abud Omar and midfielder Boniface Muchiri vocal about their expectations. The cash reward was meant to complement earlier bonuses of Ksh 1 million per win and Ksh 500,000 per draw, totalling close to Ksh 5 million per player for the group stage.
The unfulfilled promise risks overshadowing the affordable housing initiative, which has been lauded for its practicality. Players can choose units in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, aligning with the flexibility of the Boma Yangu platform.
The affordable housing plan reflects a structured approach to rewarding athletes, with Ruto emphasising that the units cannot be exchanged for cash to ensure long-term value.
This condition has sparked mixed reactions, with some players appreciating the stability of homeownership and others eager for the Ksh 60 million to address immediate needs. The government's investment in sports, including plans for AFCON 2027, underscores the significance of the CHAN 2024 squad's achievements.
Yet, the unfulfilled promise remains a sticking point, with fans calling for transparency. As preparations for AFCON 2027 begin, the affordable housing initiative positions Harambee Stars players as beneficiaries of a transformative program.
The KSh 1 million government contribution eases the financial burden, but the unfulfilled KSh 60 million promise lingers, with players awaiting clarity.
Social media debates highlight the contrast between the housing plan's progress and the delayed cash reward, with some fans referencing Ruto's pledge to avoid free handouts. The CHAN 2024 squad's legacy, marked by resilience, now hinges on the government fulfilling its commitments.
In conclusion, the Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 squad stands to benefit from an affordable housing initiative, with the government covering KSh 1 million per two-bedroom unit.
However, the unfulfilled KSh 60 million promise for reaching the quarter-finals has cast a shadow over the gesture. Players remain hopeful, with the housing plan offering long-term security, but the delayed cash reward fuels frustration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.