Sossion: Ruto’s Ksh1M win bonus is working wonders for Harambee Stars
By Kiprono Keileb, August 11, 2025Former nominated MP Wilson Sossion says that President William Ruto’s bold incentive of Ksh1M for every Harambee Stars victory is the spark powering Kenya’s national football team towards African glory.
Speaking during a local TV show on Monday, August 11, 2025, Sossion praised the government’s move to monetise sports, describing it as a game-changing policy that has transformed the mindset and performance of the players.
“Government policies and flagships on monetising the creative economy have revived Harambee Stars. All the boys and the entire technical team know they have a bet with the president of Ksh1 million for winning every game. That has done magic. It has rallied everyone around,” Sossion said.
The former legislator drew a parallel between Kenya’s global dominance in athletics and the potential for similar success in football, if the sport is given the same financial attention.
“As a country, the creative economy must be monetised. When you monetise, people get serious. Yesterday’s game was classic; in fact, it was one of the best among the three games Harambee Stars have played. There are all indicators that Kenya will become a football king in Africa, other than just being an athletics king,” Sossion noted.
Sossion pointed out that athletics in Kenya has long benefited from international monetisation structures, while football has lagged. He believes Ruto’s unprecedented reward system is setting a new standard for motivation and commitment in the sport.
“What the president has done to put a bet of Ksh1 million per player for every game’s victory is something that has never happened, and that is what is making the difference,” Sossion said.
Harambee Stars’ recent performances, including their high-energy displays against top African teams, have reignited national pride and optimism. With the promise of both financial rewards and national honour, the players are now seen as more determined than ever to bring the African football crown home.
Sossion concluded by appreciating and urging the government to ensure there is serious monetisation of all fields in the creative industry.
“The creative economy should be monetised, including the performing arts,” Sossion concluded.