Athletes who recorded exemplary results in past competitions but were overlooked by the government are set to be compensated thanks to a raft of new reforms by the Ministry of Sports.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, in a statement released on Wednesday,July 9, announced that the government has allocated Ksh70 million to go towards compensating athletes who were never feted for their achievements in the past.
Mvurya, while speaking during a media briefing at Talanta Plaza on Tuesday, described the allocation as a corrective gesture as he emphasised the government's commitment to restore justice and dignity of men and women who represent Kenya in international track competitions.
“This is about justice, dignity, and acknowledging the sacrifices and victories of every Kenyan athlete,” Mvurya said.
According to the CS, the compensation is part of a larger review and enhancement of Kenya's elite athlete support system and has been backed by the recently revised National Sports Policy and approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in April 2025.
In the reviewed framework, the government seeks to align athlete support with their emerging needs, cost of living standards as well as international best practices.
Besides compensation of past athletes, the Ministry also outlined several new initiatives designed to improve sportsmen and women's welfare. Among these initiatives are financial incentives, mental and wellness support, streamlined international travel logistics and expanded medical coverage.
The government also announced plans to introduce scholarship pathways, post-career transition programmes and stronger partnerships with sports federations.
More importantly, the government also announced a hike in cash rewards as part of the broader reforms. Under the new structure, Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists will now receive Ksh3 million, up from the previous Ksh750,000.
In addition, Silver medallists will earn Ksh2 million, up from Ksh500,000, while bronze medallists will take home Ksh1 million, up from Ksh350,000.
Participants in the Commonwealth Games who record good performances are also set for a considerably larger payout, with gold medal winners now set to receive Ksh2.5 million, silver medallists Ksh1.5 million, and bronze winners Ksh1 million. Previously, the top reward in that category was Ksh500,000.
On Tuesday, Mvurya recognised the efforts of track champions Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet with hefty payouts, moments after the pair jetted back to the country on Tuesday, July 8.
Chebet and Kipyegon were feted with Ksh5 million each by the government for their heroics at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
On Sunday, July 6, Kipyegon put the disappointment of her Breaking4 attempt less than a fortnight ago behind her as she lowered her own record at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League, setting a new record of 3 minutes 48.68 seconds in her 1st Diamond League race this season.
Chebet, who is slowly stamping her mark as one of the most formidable forces in the women's 5000m, also set a new record by becoming the first woman alive to run under 14 minutes in her respective category as she secured a time of 13:58.06.
