Kenya, known for its athletic prowess, has also produced a number of talented footballers who have achieved success both on and off the field.
Beyond their sporting achievements, some Kenyan footballers have amassed significant wealth throughout their careers.
In this article, we will explore the lives and net worth of some of the richest Kenyan footballers, showcasing their accomplishments and the financial rewards they have earned.
Victor Wanyama
Victor Wanyama, a household name in Kenyan football, has made a name for himself both internationally and domestically.
Currently playing as a defensive midfielder for CF Montreal Impact in Canada, Wanyama has become the highest-paid sportsman in Kenya.
Despite taking a significant pay cut of Sh14.7 million per month to extend his stay with the club, Wanyama still earns around Sh20 million monthly, making him the highest-paid footballer in the country.
He is reported to have a net worth of $15 million (Sh2.064 billion).
McDonald Mariga
McDonald Mariga is another renowned Kenyan footballer who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born in Nairobi, Mariga’s journey took him from Tusker F.C. and Kenya Pipeline to the pinnacle of Italian football, where he became the first Kenyan player to don the famous Inter Milan jersey.
After retiring from football in 2019, Mariga ventured into politics, aiming to use his platform and influence to effect change.
Despite his political aspirations not bearing fruit so far, Mariga’s net worth is estimated at $7 million (Sh847 million).
Michael Olunga
Michael Olunga stands out as one of the wealthiest footballers in Kenya, boasting a net worth of $4 million (Sh484 million).
His extraordinary achievements on the field have solidified his status as a prolific striker and garnered him international recognition.
Notably, while playing for Spanish side Girona in January 2018, Olunga etched his name in history as the first Kenyan to score a hat-trick in his team’s resounding 6-0 victory over Las Palmas.
Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the sole Kenyan player to score a brace at the Africa Cup of Nations, as demonstrated by his two goals against Tanzania in their thrilling 3-2 win at the AFCON 2019 held in Egypt.
Furthermore, Olunga’s exceptional performance in the 2019/2020 season earned him the accolades of being the first African player to win the J1 League Most Valuable Player award and the Golden Boot after showcasing his remarkable scoring ability with 28 goals.
Following his move to Qatari club Al-Duhail, Olunga currently commands a monthly salary of approximately Sh60 million.
Patrick Osiako
Patrick Osiako, a retired Kenyan midfielder, embarked on a professional football career that spanned several countries.
Osiako had stints at clubs in Kenya, Sweden, Romania, Israel, and Azerbaijan.
Throughout his career, Osiako accumulated an estimated net worth of $2 million (Sh242 million).
Jamal Mohammed
Jamal Mohamed, commonly known as Jamal Malo, is a former Kenyan footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on 24th November 1984, Jamal commenced his footballing journey in 1998 with the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a prominent club based in Mathare.
In 2006, Jamal expanded his horizons beyond Kenya, venturing to Ghana where he secured a short-term contract with Liberty Professionals F.C. Jamal also featured for various clubs in Europe.
With his successful career, Jamal Mohamed has amassed a reported net worth of $2 million (Sh242 million).
Arnold Origi
Arnold Otieno Origi, born on 15th November 1983, is a retired professional footballer from Kenya renowned for his exceptional goalkeeping skills.
He made a name for himself as a goalkeeper while representing Hødd in the Norwegian 2. divisjon.
Notably, he is the sole Kenyan goalkeeper to have played in Europe for over 15 years.
Prior to his stint with Hødd, Origi showcased his talents on home soil, playing for Mathare United and Tusker, two esteemed clubs in Kenya.
His skills attracted attention, leading him to join Moss, where fellow Kenyan player John Muiruri was already making waves. Following a brief loan spell with Fredrikstad and a short stop at Ull/Kisa, Origi’s career trajectory soared as he joined Lillestrøm in 2013.
Origi is considered one of the richest footballers in Kenya, boasting a net worth of $1.2 million (Sh145.2 million).
Lawrence Olum
Lawrence Olum, a retired Kenyan professional footballer, played as a defender and midfielder.
He had stints with clubs such as Portland Timbers, Minnesota Thunder, Austin Aztex, Orlando City, Sporting Kansas City, Kedah FA (Malaysia), and Minnesota United FC.
His net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million (Sh181.5 million)
