President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, August 16 announced cash reward for the 2020 Tokyo Athletes.
The president announced cash rewards of Ksh1 million for gold medal winners and Ksh750,000 for athletes who bagged silver medals. The bronze medal winners will receive Ksh500,000 reward.
Uhuru received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent of seven athletes and their managers at State House, Mombasa alongside the World Athletics President, Seb Coe.
Kenya won 4 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals.
President Kenyatta thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart.
Among the athletes present were Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich who bagged gold and silver medals in the 800m final. Peres Jepchirchir and Brigid Kosgei, Benjamin Kigen and Timothy Cheruiyot were also present.
Notably missing in the award ceremony were gold medalists Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon.
In addition, the Head of State announced a uniform token of Ksh200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, participating in delayed Summer Games, which will kick off on Tuesday, 24 August to Sunday, 5 September.
He also challenged the sporting fraternity to ensure the country continues to excel on the global stage.
The award comes a week after the team flew back into the country on August 9. There had been a spat on social media on how the Kenyan contingent was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
On August 12, Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna explained that Team Kenya Olympians were not received with expected dignity and majesty due to Covid-19 restrictions and protocols put in place.
He explained that a normal exception would attract huge crowds and would violate protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
