President William Ruto on Thursday grew visibly emotional as he welcomed Kenya’s athletics team back from Tokyo following their historic showing at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Addressing the athletes at State House, Nairobi, the President paused as he admitted the occasion carried deep personal weight.
“You have to forgive me, this is a very emotional moment, I don’t know why. And I must say congratulations to you people,” he told the medalists.
Kenya’s team stunned the world with a haul of 11 medals — seven gold, two silver and two bronze placing the country second overall out of 198 competing nations.
“You carried our flag with pride and brought great honour to Kenya, once again proving that we are a nation of champions. To be the second best in the whole world out of 198 countries is no mean achievement,” said the Head of State.
He lauded the athletes for their discipline and commitment, adding that their success should inspire Kenyans across all sectors.
“This is an achievement we celebrate with pride, but more importantly, one that we must emulate as a nation in every other thing that we do,” Ruto remarked.
The reception followed the President’s confirmation earlier in the day that the state had disbursed Sh27 million in rewards to the medalists and would extend affordable housing benefits to them under the government’s housing programme.
Each gold medalist received Sh3 million, silver medalists Sh2 million and bronze medalists Sh1 million, in line with the Head of State’s directive before the team travelled for the competition.
“I pledged that I will consider the issues you addressed with me, and among the immediate actions was to ensure your foreign allowances were enhanced and fully paid as you travelled," he said.
" Additionally, in recognition of your heroic efforts, a total of Sh27 million has already been disbursed to the medalists."
The President further announced that medalists will also benefit from the Affordable Housing Programme, similar to the package extended to Harambee Stars after the CHAN tournament.
“The Government of Kenya is going to pay for half of a house of your choice. You choose the house, we pay for you half, you pay the other half,” he said.
Ruto added that athletes unable to raise their share will access a soft loan under the Affordable Housing Fund, paying as little as Sh5,000 monthly, or about Sh2,500, where the state covers half the cost.
