President William Ruto has confirmed that the government has released Sh27 million in cash rewards to Kenyan athletes who bagged medals at the recent World Athletics Championships.
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 would 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 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.
The Head of State dismissed claims that affordable housing units are being dished out for free.
“I know there are some who, because of ignorance, believe that we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is going to be given to anybody without being paid for,” he said, emphasising that the programme operates under strict fund rules.
The President hailed the athletes as Kenya’s ambassadors, saying their victories inspire national pride and demonstrate the value of investing in sports and talent development.
Kenya emerged number two behind the United States of America.
The nine-day global competition began on September 13 and concluded on September 21 at the Japan National Stadium.
Team Kenya collected 11 medals, seven of them gold, to secure the runner-up spot in the medal standings.
The United States took first place with a bigger tally across events.
On September 3, the President announced that the government had enhanced the reward scheme for athletes who win medals at global competitions.
The President said gold medal winners in athletics will now receive Sh3 million, up from Sh750,000.
Silver medallists will earn Sh2 million, an increase from Sh500,000, while bronze medallists will receive Sh1 million, up from Sh350,000.
During the World Athletics Championships, Beatrice Chebet was one of the standout performers, winning two gold medals.
She claimed the women’s 10,000m title in 30:37.61 to deliver Kenya’s first gold in Tokyo. She later doubled her triumph with victory in the women’s 5000m.
Peres Jepchirchir added to Kenya’s tally with a strong run in the women’s marathon. She crossed the line in 2:24:43 to beat Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a tight finish.
Jepchirchir’s win was Kenya’s second gold of the championships and reaffirmed her dominance in road racing.
Faith Kipyegon also lived up to expectations by storming to victory in the women’s 1500m. The two-time Olympic champion added another global title to her glittering career.
Kenya’s strength in the steeplechase was once again evident after Faith Cherotich powered to gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in a championship record of 8:51.59.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi struck gold in the men’s 800m. He clocked 1:41.86, another championship record, to finish ahead of a competitive field. His win was celebrated as a breakthrough moment for the rising star.
The final day of the championships saw Lilian Odira deliver a dramatic win in the women’s 800m. She clocked 1:54.62 to set yet another championship record and secure Kenya’s seventh gold medal.
