Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Harambee Stars of continued government support following their quarter-final exit from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Speaking in Wajir on August 24, 2025, Kindiki praised the national team’s performance at CHAN while acknowledging the disappointment of their elimination.

“You have seen our national team Harambee Stars beat many African teams and nearly reached the final, but we had small problems and slipped a little,” he said

“I want to say we are very proud of what Harambee Stars has done to our country,” Kindiki added.

Government commitment

In his speech, Kindiki emphasised that the government remains committed to developing sports infrastructure and supporting athletes.

He outlined specific commitments to ensure Harambee Stars are better prepared for upcoming major competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We will continue supporting them in modernising our stadium, making sure we take care of the players’ welfare and the welfare of the technical bench to make sure that Harambee Stars prepares for the World Cup qualifiers that are starting in September and for the African Cup of Nations that is coming in 2027,” Kindiki announced.

Sports development

Kindiki framed sports development as part of President William Ruto’s broader agenda for youth empowerment, noting that athletic talent can provide alternative pathways to success.

“Some youth may not have been blessed by God to be scholars, but they have sporting talent, and this is also important,” he said.

The Deputy President emphasised that the government’s sports development initiatives extend beyond football to encompass all sporting disciplines.

“The work of President Ruto and the government is to build stadiums and give athletes motivation so they can play. And it’s not just football, but also ball games like volleyball, handball, netball, rugby, all sports,” he stated.

CHAN elimination

Kindiki’s remarks come days after Kenya’s unexpected exit from the 2025 African Nations Championship on August 22, 2025, at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani, where they lost 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar in the quarter-finals.

Making their debut in the tournament, Harambee Stars initially seemed poised for a historic semi-final berth after Alphonce Omija’s powerful header gave them the lead shortly after halftime.

However, a moment later, a goal by striker Ryan Ogam was disallowed due to a foul during the buildup. Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana converted a penalty after a foul in the box, sending the match into extra time.

Neither side scored during extra time, leading to a penalty shootout, where Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3.