In a landmark boost for the nation's athletics powerhouse, President William Ruto has directed that 500 sportsmen and women be absorbed into the country’s uniformed forces to provide them with a solid support base as they continue flying the national flag on the global stage.
Ruto made the announcement at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday while hosting Team Kenya, fresh from their sparkling exploits at the just-concluded World Championships in Tokyo.
Team Kenya secured an impressive medal haul in Tokyo, amassing 11 medals (seven gold, two silver and two bronze) to rank second behind the USA (26).
The gold medallists included Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Peres Jepchirchir (Marathon), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Lilian Odira (800m) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m). Kipyegon (5,000m), Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m) were the silver medallists, while Edmund Serem (3,000m steeplechase) and Reynold Cheruiyot (1,500m) claimed bronze.
Buoyed by the stellar showing, Ruto unveiled sweeping measures to anchor Kenyan athletes’ careers in the disciplined services.
"I have discussed with our disciplined forces and have agreed that a total of 500 sportsmen be hired to disciplined services to provide a base where they can get support to continue raising standards of sports in our country," Ruto said.
According to the directive, 200 athletes will join the Kenya Defence Forces, while 150 will be absorbed into the National Police Service.
Discussions are ongoing to integrate more athletes into the Prisons Service and the National Youth Service.
"In the recruitment going on now, 200 sportsmen will be hired in the military, and I have talked with NPS to recruit 150 sportsmen and women."
"I will be talking with the other forces, including Kenya Prisons and NYS, so we can carry more sportsmen into these disciplined forces."
Further, the President reiterated the government's promise to reward the nation's medalists.
"Additionally, in recognition of your efforts, Sh27 million has been disbursed to all medallists in line with my directive," he said.
Under the package, gold medallists pocket Sh3 million, silver Sh2 million, and bronze Sh1 million. Ruto also lauded the team's medal haul, which ranked Kenya second overall in the world.
"Being the second best in the whole world is no mean achievement. This is an achievement we celebrate with pride as a nation."
"It is clear that Kenya is not made for the average; our DNA as a nation is not for the ordinary and average, our DNA is for excellence."
"The performance of this team tells you we play in the league of champions and excellence," he said.
The President further praised the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) for safeguarding the country’s integrity on the track.
"I must also commend the ministry and ADAK for working closely with WADA to ensure that our athletes win clean. I don’t want our athletes' performance to be adulterated. We will do anything to preserve our excellence."
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya echoed the sentiment, assuring that the entire Tokyo contingent was tested and cleared.
"Our top athletes were tested by ADAK, and that confirms our team won with integrity," Mvurya said.
Earlier, WADA had threatened a blanket ban on Kenyan sports activities due to non-compliance, but Mvurya confirmed that the ministry and ADAK were working closely with the global body to prevent that.
"Over the last few weeks, we had meetings with WADA, who had raised 35 issues, so far 30 of those are already solved, and we are waiting on WADA’s directive on the rest," he added.
Kipyegon, who bagged both gold and silver in Tokyo, voiced the team’s gratitude for the recognition. "It's honouring to be welcomed back home so well after our performance in Tokyo."
"We did extremely well as compared to Budapest 2023, where we had three gold medals," she said.
Kipyegon thanked the federation, ministry, government and the Kenyan embassy in Japan for their support.
"We are grateful to the government, AK and the ministry for helping us achieve this great milestone. We also acknowledge the ambassador of Kenya in Tokyo, who did a very good job of looking for Kenyan food for the team."
