Ruto: Govt to pay half amount for promised Affordable Houses for Harambee Stars
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 28, 2025President William Ruto has pledged that the government will pay half the cost of affordable housing units promised to Harambee Stars players, even after the team’s quarterfinal exit from the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking during a luncheon with the national team at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Head of State said the two-bedroom units will remain part of the rewards package to recognise the players’ historic campaign.
“The two-bedroom house that we have agreed on in affordable housing costs Ksh2 million. We are going to pay for you half that amount, which is Ksh1 million,” Ruto announced.
“You will cover the remaining one million, or we will give you a mortgage which you can pay for over 20 years. That would translate to a payment of Ksh2,000 or Ksh3,000 every month.”
He stressed that the housing units would not be converted into cash.
“There is no room for exchanging the house for money. There is only the house, and you will get a chance to choose a house in a town of your choice, be it Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, or Nakuru. We are developing housing in 200 sites across Kenya, so you have an opportunity to choose which one,” he added.
The President also dismissed the perception that the rewards amounted to handouts, noting that players would still contribute to the ownership of the homes. According to him, the government’s share was meant to ease the burden while ensuring the stars had a lasting asset from their football careers.
Athlete rewards
Beyond football, Ruto revealed that the government had revised upwards the financial packages for athletes across various disciplines. Olympic gold medallists will now earn Ksh3 million, silver medallists Ksh2 million, and bronze medallists Ksh1 million. In team sports, each player will receive Ksh750,000 for gold, Ksh500,000 for silver, and Ksh375,000 for bronze.
He added that the Sports Cabinet Secretary, acting on recommendations from the Awards and Recognition Committee, will also authorise winning bonuses of up to Ksh2.5 million for athletes and teams participating in major qualification events.
“The Harambee Stars have shown the unity and spirit of our country,” Ruto said. “Even though we did not go past the quarterfinals, we are proud of their performance and want to ensure they get a home they can call their own.”