The Kenyan athletics team have reaped millions in prize money following their dominance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
With 11 medals, only the United States came ahead of Kenya in terms of the medal standings, with athletes cementing the country's place among the world's elite. Their heroics not only came with status but also hefty cash prizes.
According to World Athletics' official prize structure, athletes who secure podium finishes at the championships are entitled to huge payouts, with gold medallists each earning USD70,000 (Ksh9 million at the current rates), while silver medallists take home USD35,000 (Ksh4.5 million). Bronze medallists walk away with USD 22,000 (Ksh 2.8 million).
Kenya's Medal Breakdown
Kenya's medal hunt began in the 10,000m, which was won by Beatrice Chebet, before Peres Jepchirchir claimed another gold medal in the women's marathon.
Faith Cherotich also claimed first place in the women's 3000m steeplechase, while Faith Kipyegon also clinched an expected gold medal in the 1500m final.
Beatrice Chebet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi took Kenya's gold medal tally to six with wins in the 5000m final and 800m, respectively, before Lillian Odira's late surge on Sunday saw her claim Kenya's seventh gold medal.
In terms of silver medals, Kipyegon won silver in the 5000m final, while Dorcus Ewoi came just behind Kipyegon in the 1500m final.
Kenya's bronze medals came courtesy of the men, with Reynold Cheruiyot coming in third place in the men's 1500m, while Edmund Serem came in third in the men's 3000m steeplechase.
World Athletics Championships Payouts
With the medal standings in mind, Kenya effectively bagged a whopping USD490,000 (Ksh63.3 million at the current rates) from the gold medals, USD70,000 (Ksh9 million) from silver medals and USD44,000 (Ksh5.6 million) from bronze medallists.
In total, Kenyan athletes reaped a collective Ksh78 million from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet among the biggest winners in terms of monetary rewards.
Government Payouts
Besides the payouts from the global athletics body, the athletes are also set for hefty rewards from the Kenyan government under new reforms announced by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya in August.
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.
Our calculations show the government will reward the stellar performance from the athletes with Ksh27 million. This takes the total earnings for the athletes to Ksh103 million.
