How many people believed that Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, could have gone past the group stages in the African Nations Championship (CHAN)2024? Even some Kenyans doubted the players’ ability to perform.
However, it seems like President William Ruto’s pledges worked some magic, and the players gave their all in the pitch.
Ruto promised the team KSh1 million to each member of the Harambee Stars delegation for every match won, and KSh500,000 for every draw.
Additionally, Ruto stated that the team will receive Ksh60 million if they reach the quarterfinals, Ksh70 million for a semifinal berth, and a substantial Ksh600 million should they win the tournament.
Ruto increased the individual awards to Ksh2.5 million if Harambee Stars beat Zambia in the group stage
Additionally, pledged a Ksh1 million plus a house under the affordable housing scheme for winning the quarter final.
Despite joining the competition as underdogs, Harambee Stars won three group games against Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia and drew with Angola.
The team was knocked out by Madagascar in the quarter finals, but their success is something employers should learn from.
What Employers Can Pick from Harambee Stars CHAN Debut
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Dr. Luchetu Likaka, a Marketing Consultant and Digital Marketing Strategist, asked employers to use Harambee Stars as a case study.
Mirara said employees need the motivation Ruto gave the Harambee Stars players.
Look at Harambee Stars. They did not need another trust circle or motivational workshop. They needed what every employee in the corporate world wants: fair pay for real work.
Similarly, Dr. Likaka said Harambee Stars’ performance is a testament that motivation works.
Likaka said Kenya was disregarded, but the players gave their best because of the financial pledge.
Motivation works. What seemed like an underdog team suddenly played with fire, belief, and unity because the players knew there was a tangible reward beyond just patriotism.
Also Read: Why Employers Prefer Diploma Graduates Over Degree Holders
Reward System in Companies
Likaka said employers should prioritize various types of incentives to boost staff morale.
He stated that a properly designed incentive can help reveal untapped potential within employees.
“Employers often underestimate the power of well-structured incentives, whether financial or non-financial, to unlock hidden potential in their teams,” Likaka said.
Mirara also criticized the reward system in most companies in Kenya, saying the playbook is broken.
“A team hits targets; management gives them pizza. Employees sacrifice weekends, Human Resource Manager offers a “fun day.” People ask for raises, and they get a branded water bottle. This is not motivation. It is a distraction,” Mirara said.
Also Read: How Employers in Kenya Should Select Staff to be Declared Redundant
How Being Valued Helps
The two professionals agreed that employers will deliver if they feel valued and are rewarded, just like the Harambee Stars players.
Likaka said such rewards push people to go beyond their limits and excel at whatever they do.
The Harambee Stars’ story shows that when people feel valued and rewarded for extraordinary effort, they often rise above expectations. In a competitive environment, that could be the difference between mediocrity and excellence.
Likewise, Mirara said employees will perform despite the obstacles if they are compensated or rewarded properly.
He stated that Harambee Stars players were determined to get Ruto’s millions, and the same applies to employees.
“Harambee Stars showed the other way. When you put money in people’s pockets, they show up. Not just on sunny days when things are easy. Even on rainy days, when everything is against them,” Mirara added.
He asked employers to stop spending money on team-building and focus on salaries and rewards.
Mirara said this is the only way company owners and bosses can earn employees’ trust and loyalty while boosting their performance.
Leaders need to stop hiding behind team-building budgets. Redirect that money where it matters into salaries and rewards. That is how you build loyalty and performance.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
