SRC review sought over athletes’ allowances

Speaking in Kandara, Murang’a County, Mwangi said the current allowance rates for athletes representing Kenya are determined by the SRC, meaning any changes must be approved by the commission.

“Harambee Stars players complained about not being paid, and we made an effort to ensure all the teams were paid. However, they have also raised further complaints, stating that the daily allowance of $60 while in camp is insufficient. But all the allowances we pay to athletes are authorised by the SRC. Whenever the need arises to review the allowances, we engage the commission with the request and wait for their approval,” Mwangi said.

The Sports PS added that the ministry was willing to work with stakeholders, including the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars players, to push for a review of the rates.

His remarks came after Harambee Stars players refused to train during a turbulent week in camp, citing unpaid allowances and logistical concerns ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Eritrea, which ended 1-1 at Nyayo Stadium.

Mwangi said delays in settling some payments could arise from procedures involved in obtaining funds from the National Treasury, including the verification of requests.

“The process of requesting for money from Treasury is elaborate and needs verifications which might cause delays but once the money comes, we pay promptly,” he said.

The government has since moved to address the outstanding issues while also considering a broader review of allowances for national teams.

“However, if there is a particular issue that concerns them, it is important that they let us know so we can petition the SRC to review the rates upwards. For now, though, we are not using any rates other than the existing ones—those applied to athletes across various disciplines, whether football, athletics, boxing, chess, and so on.”

The proposed engagement with the SRC could open discussions on both the timely payment of existing allowances and possible changes to the rates paid to Kenya’s national teams. Mwangi, however, said patriotism should always come first.

“Even when we have issues that we need addressed, we should put the nation first. It’s the highest level of patriotism and honour to don on the national colours and represent the country in any event,” he added.Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has said the government will engage the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to review allowances for national team players as part of efforts to boost their morale and improve their welfare.

Speaking in Kandara, Murang’a County, Mwangi said the current allowance rates for athletes representing Kenya are determined by the SRC, meaning any changes must be approved by the commission.

“Harambee Stars players complained about not being paid, and we made an effort to ensure all the teams were paid. However, they have also raised further complaints, stating that the daily allowance of $60 while in camp is insufficient. But all the allowances we pay to athletes are authorised by the SRC. Whenever the need arises to review the allowances, we engage the commission with the request and wait for their approval,” Mwangi said.

The Sports PS added that the ministry was willing to work with stakeholders, including the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars players, to push for a review of the rates.

His remarks came after Harambee Stars players refused to train during a turbulent week in camp, citing unpaid allowances and logistical concerns ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Eritrea, which ended 1-1 at Nyayo Stadium.

Mwangi said delays in settling some payments could arise from procedures involved in obtaining funds from the National Treasury, including the verification of requests.

“The process of requesting for money from Treasury is elaborate and needs verifications which might cause delays but once the money comes, we pay promptly,” he said.

The government has since moved to address the outstanding issues while also considering a broader review of allowances for national teams.

“However, if there is a particular issue that concerns them, it is important that they let us know so we can petition the SRC to review the rates upwards. For now, though, we are not using any rates other than the existing ones—those applied to athletes across various disciplines, whether football, athletics, boxing, chess, and so on.”

The proposed engagement with the SRC could open discussions on both the timely payment of existing allowances and possible changes to the rates paid to Kenya’s national teams. Mwangi, however, said patriotism should always come first.

“Even when we have issues that we need addressed, we should put the nation first. It’s the highest level of patriotism and honour to don on the national colours and represent the country in any event,” he added.