The Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in collaboration with the National Government, is spearheading the development of a new policy to bring clarity and structure to the allocation of tournament prize money, such as the Ksh59.3 million earned from the recent CHAN tournament.
This announcement was made by FKF CEO Harold Ndege during an interview on Radio 47’s Breakfast 47 morning show, hosted by Alex Mwakideu and Emmanuel Mwashumbe.
Ndege explained that the current ambiguity stems from the fact that existing governing body laws do not explicitly mandate how much prize money should be directed to player allowances.
In a statement that brings clarity to the ongoing debate, Ndege clarified the purpose of the funds.
“The Ksh 58.3M from CAF is for football development, not player payouts, but we’re creating a policy to ensure Harambee Stars players get standard allowances (currently Ksh 7,000 daily), with bonuses guided by government input,” Ndege said.
This stance echoes similar sentiments recently expressed by FKF President Hussein Mohammed, following the Harambee Stars’ quarterfinal exit from CHAN.
To quell any speculation about unpaid dues, Ndege provided a detailed breakdown of the payments already made to the CHAN squad. He revealed that the team, comprising 27 players and 15 technical staff members, had received a significant sum, suggesting no further payouts from the CAF prize money are expected.
“Wakufunzi na wachezaji wote waliokuwa kwenye camp wamepata 221 million bonusses pamoja na millioni 150 ya allowance ambapo kila mchezaji amekuwa akipata 7000 kwa siku,” said Harold, confirming a total disbursement of Ksh 371 million in allowances and bonuses.
Amid these financial discussions, the CEO was quick to commend the federation’s leadership under President Hussein Mohammed for its stewardship during a challenging fiscal period. He highlighted the government’s support and a renewed sense of commercial viability for the sport.
“Kutokana na kuwa na kiongozi anayeelewa masuala ya mpira, commercialization of kenyan football imenawiri na tumeanza kuona matunda,” he stated, acknowledging the over Ksh 200 million received from the government since the new administration took office in December.
He also addressed the federation’s existing challenges, adding, “FKF ina deni la millioni 600 la kulipa lakini FKF activities lazima ziendelee.”
The issue of player allowances extended beyond football, as Ndege also addressed the recent concerns raised by the national women’s volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers. He confirmed that the matter had been resolved, clarifying the nature of their request.
“The Malkia Strikers were already receiving bonuses; what they were requesting were allowances. We faced a few challenges, but we resolved them and made the payments,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ndege expressed immense optimism, fueled by the overwhelming fan support witnessed during the CHAN tournament, a phenomenon he compared to one almost three decades ago.
“The last time niliona mashabiki of this magnitude ilikuwa 1997 when Harambee Stars played Nigeria,” he noted.
He affirmed that the team’s motivation extends beyond financial incentives as they head into the World Cup Qualifiers matches agaisnt Gambia and Seychelles.
“We have a very good team, not just motivated by money,” he added.
Finally, the CEO outlined a visionary plan for the nation’s existing and new sporting infrastructure.
“We have an infrastructural development plan to put up football arenas across the country in collaboration with FIFA and CAF, and also a sustainability plan for the existing ones,” he said.
