The Harambee Stars are guaranteed Ksh25.8 million for participating in the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed a record prize purse of Ksh1.3 billion ($10.4 million) for the tournament, representing a 32% increase from the Ksh1.02 billion ($7.9 million) awarded at the previous edition in Algeria in 2023.
For Kenya, just qualifying to take part in the competition is already financially rewarding. CAF’s breakdown shows that all teams finishing bottom of their groups will receive Ksh25.8 million ($200,000). This figure also applies to the fourth-placed teams in the five-team pools.
However, Harambee Stars could earn even more depending on how far they progress. If Kenya finish third in Group A, they will walk away with Ksh38.7 million ($300,000).
Prize Money Breakdown
CAF has set aside impressive rewards for teams advancing deeper into the tournament. The four losing quarter-finalists will each take home Ksh58.1 million ($450,000), while the semi-final losers will receive Ksh90.4 million ($700,000) and Ksh77.5 million ($600,000) for third and fourth place, respectively.
The runners-up will pocket Ksh155 million ($1.2 million), while the winners of CHAN 2024 will collect Ksh452.2 million ($3.5 million) – a staggering 75% increase compared to the Ksh258.4 million ($2 million) that Senegal earned after winning the 2023 edition.
Group Stage Challenge for Harambee Stars
Kenya has been drawn into Group A, a tricky pool that includes heavyweights Morocco (winners in 2018 and 2020), Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (champions in 2009 and 2016), and Zambia.
Only the top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter-finals.
Group B consists of hosts Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, while Group C includes Uganda, Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa.
Group D, which will have its matches staged in Zanzibar, features defending champions Senegal, Sudan, Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.
A historic CHAN campaign awaits, excited to get started #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/ccgUmiVTIm
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) June 28, 2025
Record Prize Money and CAF’s Vision
CAF President Patrice Motsepe hailed the increase in prize money as a key step in supporting the growth of African football.
“We are excited about the upcoming CHAN in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This increase in prize money will support the development of locally based players and help strengthen the global competitiveness of African football,” said Motsepe.
He emphasized that CHAN plays a vital role in showcasing local talent and attracting fans, sponsors, and global broadcasters, making it a crucial part of CAF’s strategy to elevate African football.
With the increase, CHAN now ranks third among CAF competitions in earnings, only behind the Africa Cup of Nations winners (Ksh904.4 million / $7 million) and the CAF Champions League winners (Ksh516.8 million / $4 million).
Previously, CHAN winners earned the same amount as CAF Confederation Cup champions, Ksh258.4 million ($2 million).
Kenya’s Big Opportunity
With the tournament set to run across three East African countries, this will be a landmark moment for Kenyan football. Beyond the financial rewards, it will be a chance for locally-based players to showcase their talent to scouts and clubs across Africa and beyond.
Harambee Stars will look to take advantage of the home support and make history by reaching the latter stages of CHAN for the very first time. The huge prize money increase adds extra motivation for the players to perform at their best.
As the countdown to August 2 continues, all eyes will be on Kenya’s preparations and whether the Harambee Stars can rise to the occasion in one of the biggest CHAN tournaments ever staged in Africa.
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