In a celebratory breakfast at State House on Thursday, Kenya’s athletic superstars were not only honored for their stellar performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo but were also given a multi-million shilling promise from President William Ruto, igniting both applause and a spirited defense of his administration’s housing policy.
The Kenyan team, which secured an impressive second-place finish overall, brought home a historic haul of 11 medals: seven gold, two silver, and two bronze. This feat on the track translated into a massive financial windfall, with President Ruto announcing a government bonus of Ksh 27 million.
Under the revamped rewards program, gold medallists will receive Ksh 3 million, silver medallists Ksh 2 million, and bronze medallists Ksh 1 million. This comes on top of the millions the athletes already earned from World Athletics’ official prize money, which was Ksh 9 million for gold, Ksh 4.5 million for silver, and Ksh 2.8 million for bronze.
A Nation’s Pride, An Athlete’s Reward
The women’s team led the charge, with six of the seven gold medals won by female athletes. The phenomenal Beatrice Chebet was a double champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m, while the legendary Faith Kipyegon added another 1,500m world title to her collection. They were joined by Peres Jepchirchir (women’s marathon), Lillian Odira (800m), and Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase) atop the podium. Emmanuel Wanyonyi, claiming gold in the men’s 800m, was the sole male gold medallist.
Silver medals were secured by Faith Kipyegon (in the 5,000m) and Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m), while Reynold Cheruiyot (1,500m) and Edmund Serem (men’s 3000m steeplechase) earned bronze.
In total, the combined earnings from World Athletics prize money and the new presidential reward see Kenyan athletes taking home a collective Ksh 105 million, cementing their Tokyo campaign as one of the most successful both on the track and in financial terms.
The Housing Unit: A Reward or a Responsibility?
Beyond the cash, President Ruto announced an additional premium for gold medallists: an affordable housing unit of their choice. However, he was quick to clarify the arrangement, directly hitting out at critics who have labeled the units as mere “rewards.”
“There are some who, because of ignorance, believe we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is going to be given to anybody without being paid for,” the President stated firmly.
He elaborated that the government would pay for half of the unit’s cost, with the athlete responsible for the other half. This model mirrors the arrangement made with the Harambee Stars after their performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship.
The announcement adds a new layer to the conversation about how a nation rewards its sporting heroes, framing it not just as a gift, but as a partnership aimed at fostering long-term financial security and asset ownership for the athletes.
As the champions left State House, their victories were celebrated not just with medals, but with a robust package that acknowledges their sacrifice and success, while simultaneously advancing a key government agenda.
