President William Ruto has confirmed the disbursement of Ksh27 million as a reward to Kenyan athletes who participated in the just concluded World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking on Thursday October 2, 2025, during a breakfast with the athletes, President Ruto announced that each gold medalist will receive Ksh3 million, silver medalists Ksh2 million and bronze medalists Ksh1 million, in line with the new directive he issued before the team departed for Tokyo.
“I pledged that I would consider the issues you addressed with me, and among the immediate actions was to ensure your foreign allowances were enhanced and fully paid as you travelled,” Ruto said.
“Additionally, in recognition of your heroic efforts, a total of Sh27 million has already been disbursed to the medalists.”
He also commended the team for flying the country’s flag with pride at the global stage, bringing immense honor and proving to the world that Kenya is part of the league of champions.
Apart from the cash reward, Ruto also pledged affordable houses to the athletes, similar to the package Harambee stars were provided with after the completion of CHAN 2024.
“The government is going to pay for half of a house of your choice. You choose the house, we pay for you half, you pay the other half,” he said.
The president dismissed claims that the affordable houses were being dished out for free.
“I know there are some who, because of ignorance, believe that we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is going to be given to anybody without being paid for,” Ruto stated.
“When we say we are going to make a house available to anybody, including our athletes, it means that the government is going to pay,” he added.
Kenya finished second globally behind the United States of America and first in Africa, clinching 7 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
