President William Ruto has announced a reward of Ksh10 million for world-record-breaking athlete Faith Kipyegon in recognition of her recent victories.
The president made this announcement during a luncheon at State House with the Harambee Stars, following their exit from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
While praising the Harambee Stars for their impressive performance in the quarter-finals, Ruto also referenced the future of sport, reiterating the government's commitment to rewarding athletes in various disciplines who have achieved outstanding results in international competitions.
“We have scheduled payouts. I know we have great athletes who have won many races and many games across the globe,” the President said.
The Head of State confirmed the Ministry of Sports' July announcement that the government had increased prize money by 400 per cent. Additionally, athletes who achieved impressive results in recent races were awarded a special Ksh55 million fund by the President.
In addition to the funds, Ruto referenced Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet's recent victories in the 5000m races, and promised to honour the two athletes with a combined Ksh15 million.
Ruto added, “The ministry has scheduled payouts amounting to Ksh55 million, alongside an additional Ksh10 million for a great lady who won gold and also broke her record. Also another great lady who won gold in her race who is going to be paid Ksh5 million shillings."
Kipyego etched her name in the history books at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon when she shattered her own 1500m world record, clocking 3:48.68, effectively becoming the first woman in history to run under 3:49 in the event.
This marked her third world record in the 1500m, cementing her place as arguably the greatest in the discipline.
Weeks later, at the Silesia Diamond League, Kipyegon delivered another commanding performance in the 3000m, posting a time of 8:07.04, which was a second shy of the 1993 world record held by China’s Junxia Wang. Interestingly, this was the first time in a decade that Kipyegon was taking a stab at the 3000m races.
Beatrice Chebet also made history at the Prefontaine Classic by becoming the first woman to run the 5000m in under 14 minutes, setting a world record of 13:58:06.
At the Silesia meet, Chebet ran a personal best of 3:54:73, in the 1500m, although she could only manage a second place finish, behind Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay.
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.
Under the new reward 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.
