Editor's Review

President Ruto has clarified the conditions under which football teams receive government rewards.

President William Ruto has clarified the conditions under which football teams receive government rewards, stating that such benefits are only provided when competing against foreign opponents.

Speaking during the launch of the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay on Wednesday, August 13, President Ruto addressed questions about rewards for the senate team following their recent match victory.

"You did ask me about the consideration of the senate team, and I want to confirm that the senate team did a wonderful performance. Congratulations," President Ruto said. "A round of applause for the senate team for winning yesterday's match."

The President acknowledged that the senate team merited a reward for their performance but explained there was a procedural limitation.

"There is only a small technical problem. Rewards at the level of what we have done for Harambee Stars are only given when the opposite team is not Kenyan," he stated. "So, unfortunately for the Senate, the team on the other side also came from Kenya. So I apologize that I may not be able to assist in this circumstance."

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President Ruto indicated that future consideration would be given if the Senate team competed against international opponents.

"The next time you play against a foreign team and you perform well as you have done, then there will be due consideration," he said.

The Harambee Stars team

His remarks follow a series of high-profile rewards for the national football team, Harambee Stars, who have enjoyed strong performances in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The team recently received Ksh1 million each for their 1-0 victory over Morocco on August 10, Ksh500,000 each for a draw against Angola on August 7, and Ksh1 million each for a win against the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3.

Earlier this week, Ruto also pledged KSh2.5 million for every player should Kenya beat Zambia in their upcoming group stage match, an additional KSh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit for each if they advance beyond the quarter-finals.