Speaking in State House on Tuesday, during a reception ceremony for World Record holder Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala, Gachagua hailed the athletes for placing Kenya on the world map.
“It is saddening when we see people who have been very successful and famous live in poverty after retirement. I want to invite Faith…Omanyala to look for ways of investing,” Gachagua said.
The Deputy President went on to urge Kipyegon, who now holds the 1500 and 5000 meter World Records to reach out to him if in need of investment tips.
“Faith, should you have a problem in knowing how you can invest whatever you are going to earn, I am available, I am a very prudent businessman, I can guide you around to make sure you succeed,” he said.
The state has gifted Kipyegon Ksh.5 million for one record and a Ksh.6 million home for the other record.
He expressed disappointment in the saddening state of some famous and successful athletes who live in squeal and poverty after retirement.
At the event, Sports, Art and Youth affair Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba thanked the president for the support towards the sports and art department.
“I want to appreciate you for the very firm equivocal support you have declared for the sports and the creative,” said Namwamba.
This comes after the president launched the Talanta hela initiative, which aims to identify, recruit, nurture, market, and monetise talent.
The CS reiterated that the government will have a reward scheme and guidelines on how to reward Kenyan athletes who break world record for archiving international or regional accomplishments.
“As a ministry we are convinced that Kenya’s number one export to the world is our sports men and women. They brand Kenya in a manner that nothing else does. Faith breaking two world records in a space of one week has beamed the global spotlight on Kenya like nothing else could and we must have a way to honor and appreciate that,” Namwamba said.
