This archive report was first published on 24 October 2021.
Kenyan Footballers Thriving in the USA ¶
Many Kenyan footballers have made the move to the United States, where they are earning significant salaries and enjoying better remuneration compared to the Kenyan league.
According to reports, some Kenyan internationals have made a name for themselves in the USA, with some earning up to Ksh22 million a month.
One such player is Victor Wanyama, a former Harambee Stars captain who now plays for CF Montreal. Wanyama was given the captain's arm band this season and earns a monthly salary of about Ksh22 million.
Wanyama's annual salary, according to the MLS Players Association, is Ksh266,640,000 ($2,400,000), with his annual guaranteed compensation rising to Ksh343,484,000 ($3,091,667).
Another Kenyan player, Philip Mayaka, who recently joined Harambee Stars squad for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earns a monthly income of Ksh751,820.
Mayaka, who plays in the Middlefield position at Colorado Rapids but on loan to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, earns an annual salary of Ksh9,021,850 ($81,375) and an annual guaranteed salary of Ksh10,463,129 ($94,375).
Handwalla Bwana, a Kenyan-born footballer who plays in the forward position, joined Nashville SC on October 21, 2020, and earns a monthly salary of Ksh789,414.
For Handwalla, his annual salary and annual guaranteed compensation have no difference, amounting to Ksh9,472,971 ($85,444).
Nabilai Kibunguchy, a Kenyan forward who practices his craft at Minnesota United, earns a monthly salary of Ksh587,104.
The Kenyan forward receives an annual salary inclusive of guaranteed compensation amounting to Ksh7,045,303 ($63,547).
These figures are a stark contrast to what some Kenyan footballers are earning in the local league, where they often complain about poor or late payment of salaries.
