President William Ruto has thrown his weight behind Kenya’s squad for the 2025 Tokyo Olympics, urging them to deliver performances befitting the nation’s rich athletics pedigree.
Speaking on Wednesday evening at State House, Nairobi, during the official flag-off ceremony, Ruto charged the athletes to run with courage and pride, reminding them that their strides carry the hopes of an entire nation.
"I have given you the Kenyan flag to remind you that you are first and foremost Kenyan, so as you run, run with pride in your country," President Ruto said.
"Know that you are not only running your race but you are representing 55 million Kenyan's."
He assured the contingent of the country’s unwavering support and sent them off with blessings. "I wish you the best, God's favour, and I wish you victory as you head to Tokyo," Ruto said.
The President further noted that the team will have improved daily allowances during the competition.
To further boost morale, the President confirmed that the government has revised allowances upwards.
Athletes will now receive Sh25,840 ($200) daily, up from Sh7,752 ($60), while officials’ stipends have been raised to Sh38,760 ($300) from Sh10,336 ($80).
"I understand what it takes to be a World Champion. It doesn't just happen, it takes time, effort and sacrifice. That is the reason why we must recognise our sportsmen and women."
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to rewarding excellence on the global front.
“We have also enhanced rewards for winners in the Commonwealth Games. The new package raises cash awards for gold medal winners from Sh500,000 to Sh2.5 million, Sh300,000 to KSh1.5 million for silver and Sh200,000 to Sh1 million for bronze,” he said.
The Head of State underscored his administration’s long-term vision to enhance sporting infrastructure, announcing ongoing projects to revamp Kapsabet, Kipchoge Keino and Kamariny.
"We now have money to build Kapsabet Stadium, Kipchoge Stadium, Kamariny Stadium, as well as a stadium in Baringo and Kitale."
With Kenya set to submit a bid to host the 2029 World Championships, Ruto said that facilities will be ready for use.
"We will present our bid to host the 2029 World Championships. Our stadiums will be ready, so the organisers will be spoilt for choice," he said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya echoed the President’s optimism, rallying the Tokyo-bound team to hunt for medals.
"We are presenting the best of our athletes to the World. The President has given you the country's flag, and I am sure you will return it to him with glory."
"Among the athletes heading to Tokyo, we have record holders, so we believe in Tokyo, Kenya's flag will fly high," Mvurya said.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei assured that the federation had given the athletes ample preparation to deliver on the global showpiece.
"We have prepared the team well and given them ample time. I believe they are well prepared."
He reminded the athletes of Kenya's rich history on the global stage.
Kenya topped the world in Beijing 2015, and we have been number two on four occasions. Overall, we are the second most successful country globally at the World championships."
In Beijing 2015, Kenya was the overall top-ranked nation in terms of medals, having amassed 16 medals (seven gold, six silver and three bronze) to beat Jamaica (12) and the USA (18).
The country has finished second in Osaka 2007 (13 medals behind the USA with 26), Daegu 2011 (18 medals behind the USA's 28), Doha 2019 (11 medals behind the USA's 29) and London 2017 (11 medals behind the USA's 30).
Kenya ranks second in the all-time medal standings with 171 medals (65 gold, 58 silver and 48 bronze) behind the USA's 443 medals.
Tuwei further proposed the appointment of a sports ambassador from among Kenya’s decorated athletes to advance sports and environmental causes.
"We request that out of all the athletes who have done well for the country, let us have at least one ambassador for sports and environment within the country," he said.
Team captain Julius Yego promised the team would come back home with a huge medal haul. "As Team Kenya, we are ready for the World Championships and to conquer the world. We will come back home with many medals."
