Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, on Friday, awarded athletes who represented Kenya in the World Athletic Championship in Budapest, Hungary, with cash prizes worth Ksh32.13 million.
The awards coincided with the official launch of the official commissioning of the Talanta Plaza — the Headquarters of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports in Upperhill, Nairobi.
President William Ruto graced the event as the guest of honour.
The champions of the commonwealth received a total of Ksh 3 million, Volleyball stars, Malkia Strikers, from the Africa Nations Volleyball Championships received Ksh2.8 million, athletes for Beach games in Tunisia received Ksh3.28 million, and the recent champions from the World Athletics in Budapest banked a total of Ksh21.6 million.
Faith Kipyegon received Ksh 4 million for bagging two gold medals in the World Athletics in Budapest, and Mary Moraa received Ksh 2 million, while the rest received Ksh 1.5 million for every silver won and Ksh 1 million for every bronze.
Athletes who reached the finals of the World Athletics and bagged no medal, coaches and team officials also received cash rewards.
“Monetization is a fundamental pillar of Talanta Plaza. We believe talent must pay handsomely, and this launch is a step towards ensuring excellence is rewarded beautifully,” CS Namwamba commented.
The ministry emphasised the need to offer cash prizes to successful athletes, with every medal attracting different cash rates.
In line with the recent developments, the CS launched Talanta Plaza, which will house the Ministry of Youth and Sports Office, aiming to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Addressing the heroes and heroines during the occasion, the president assured the athletes that the government would prioritise the renovation of training grounds in the country.
“We are all aware of the debate about stadia, many remind me all the time about how the promised stadia are incomplete. We now have the opportunity to prove the metal that we are made of,” Ruto said.
He also recognised Kenya's sportsmen and women as the country's key ambassadors.
"The increased monetisation of talent will stimulate entrepreneurship, thereby creating a more empowered and self-reliant community," the head of state added.
