The Kenyan government has stepped in to assist the national team participate in the African Nations Cup after football chiefs threatened to withdraw from the competition due to a funding shortfall.

“Following a request made last Saturday, President Mwai Kibaki has today authorised a government donation of 15 million shillings (£108,000) to the team ahead of the African Nations Cup,” a statement by the Presidential Press Service said on Tuesday.

The money will help the team prepare for the tournament iinn Tunisia which kicks off on January 24.

The African Nations Cup finals take place from January 24 to February 14.

Kenya are in Group B with Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal.