Ruto rewards Shujaa Ksh3m for Olympic qualification
President William Ruto has rewarded Kenya 7s Ksh3 million for their achievement during the Africa 7s tournament held in Harare, Zimbabwe, over the weekend.
Kenya, who were impressive throughout the tournament, defeated South Africa in the final and secured a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
According to Kenya Rugby Union, the reward was handed to the team on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, during breakfast hosted by the Ministry of Sports upon their arrival.
"Earlier this morning, Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba hosted the Kenya 7s to breakfast, where he handed over a Ksh3 million reward to the team from His Excellency the President of Kenya, William Ruto, following the cup final win at the Rugby Africa 7s, which secured qualification to the 2024 Olympics," KRU said in a statement.
Namwamba's explanation
Namwamba explained why Shujaa were rewarded even though the ministry's reward scheme does not allow such a move.
"Our reward scheme does not allow us to reward qualifiers, but because you have done well, the President has a token of appreciation from you," Namwamba said, as quoted by a local publication.
The CS also revealed the amount each member of the team will receive.
"Each player of the 24-member squad will receive Ksh200,000, while each of the technical bench members will receive Ksh100,000.
"This is in the spirit of Talanta Hela pesa mfukoni," he added.
Their qualification for the Olympic Games means that Shujaa will be making their third straight appearance in the global showpiece.
Although South Africa were seen as favourites to win Africa 7s, Kenya, who defeated Nigeria, Namibia, and Zambia in their Pool B games, eventually won by a 17-12 margin.
