Mwingi West Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ngusya, through the National Assembly Order Paper dated Wednesday, June 12, tabled a motion advocating for sportspersons to receive monetary and other benefits from the national government.
In his motion titled "The Formulation of a Reward Scheme for Accomplishments by Sportspersons in International Competitions," MP Ngusya underscored the significant role athletes and other sportspeople play in shaping cultural heritage and national identity.
The Wiper Democratic Movement-elected legislator further emphasized the crucial contribution of these individuals to national development, the well-being of the people, and the sustenance of livelihoods, particularly among the youth.
As part of the proposed benefits, Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and other athletes will receive Ksh6 million each time they break a world record.
“This House urges that the Government, through the Ministry of Sports, develops a policy and standardised sports reward scheme for recognising the achievements made by sports persons in internationally recognised competitions, through financial rewards of Ksh6 million for setting new world records,” the motion reads in part.
Apart from breaking a world record, athletes who scoop gold medals will receive a sum of Ksh4 million with silver and bronze medalists receiving Ksh3 million and Ksh2 million respectively.
Non-financial incentives for sportspersons will include diplomatic passports and appointments as goodwill ambassadors.
Additionally, the international stars will be conferred national honours and all privileges therein.
“Ministry of Sports should establish a medical cover and a post-retirement social protection scheme,” Ngusya further proposed.
The cover will include contributory insurance and savings schemes to support sportspersons who retire from active sports due to injuries or age.
On June 13, President William Ruto committed that his administration would pay Ksh5 million to athletes who break a world record.
Ngusya’s proposal will ensure that other Kenyan sportspersons who do not partake in athletics also benefit from the national kitty.
