More rewards for athletes, big city marathon winners

All Kenyan athletes who win medals in team championships and marathons will now be rewarded by the government, Deputy President William Ruto said on Friday.

The DP said the runners, who will win gold, silver and bronze medals will be paid Sh1 million, Sh700,000 and Sh500,000 in that order, in an effort to show appreciation to athletes for putting the country on the world map for decades.

“Our athletes have done a lot for our country. All medallists shall be paid by the government in appreciation for these sportsmen and women, who selflessly fly our flag on the international arena,” Ruto added.

Kenya topped the world after hauling the most gold medals at last year’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China. The athletes beat big economies such as US and Britain and to emerge champions last year.

Ruto spoke at Kipchoge Keino Stadium on Friday as the two-day National Olympic Trials ended in Eldoret.

In addition, Ruto said teams that will win titles in championships will get a Sh5 million reward from the State.  

“Starting with the Olympic Games, any team that brings home a team gold gets another reward, in addition to individual gold medals,” he added.

Ruto, while also reacting to a request by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, also said the government has allocated another Sh350 million for further refurbishment of Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

The DP Sh2 billion has been set aside in the Budget for building of five modern stadiums.

Governor Mandago appealed the DP to assist in the expansion of Kipchoge Stadium. Other governors Cleophas Lagat (Nandi) and his Elgeyo-Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos attended the two-day trials.

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