President William Ruto has awarded athlete Faith Kipyegon with the highest honour of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH).
Addressing Kenyans at Uhuru Gardens during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, the Head of State indicated that Kipyegon's performance was an inspiration to the youth.
"Our athletes continue to excel at various global events as is well exemplified by the shining performance in long-distance races.
"Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the status of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest honour our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence," he stated.
"She has earned her place at the very top from running bare feet to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate state of heroism," he added.
The honour comes a few hours after World Athletics named Kipyegon as the Female World Athlete of the Year in track events.
In his speech, Ruto also vowed to fete five other athletes including Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, Kelvin Kiptum, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Faith Cherotich.
The two honours come after Kipyegon broke two world records within a week earlier this year.
Shortly after receiving the World Athletics Award, Ruto celebrated her as among the hardest-working athletes alive today.
"A fitting crown for the Queen of the track, a worthy tribute to one the hardest working athletes alive today, the embodiment of excellence, versatility, fortitude, humility and purpose; an incredible human being, a true champion and a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon, the World Athlete of the Year," celebrated the Head of State.
In June, shortly after Kipyegon broke the records in the Florence and Paris Diamond Leagues, Ruto unlocked a Ksh5 million prize for each athlete who breaks a world record.
At the time, Ruto also granted the athlete a house worth Ksh6 million.
"For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Ksh5 million," Ruto directed at the time.
