Kenya’s athletes returned home from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with glory and financial rewards. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, President William Ruto hosted the champions at State House, where he presented them with cheques in line with the government’s new sports reward scheme.
Faith Kipyegon, who secured her fourth world 1500m title in Tokyo, led the team in celebrations. Alongside her teammates, she received prize money promised by the state for medal winners. Under the scheme, announced before the championships, gold medallists each earn Ksh3 million, silver medallists Ksh2 million, and bronze medallists Ksh1 million.
This marked the first major implementation of the new rewards programme. The initiative had been unveiled by President Ruto on September 3, when he flagged off the Tokyo-bound team. He said then that the aim was to motivate Kenyan sports personalities and recognise their sacrifices.
Kenya’s medal winners rewarded
Kenya finished second overall at the championships, collecting seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. The United States topped the table with 12 golds, while Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain followed behind Kenya.
Gold medal winners, including Faith Kipyegon (who also earned Ksh2 million for a silver medal), Beatrice Chebet (two golds, Ksh6 million), Peres Jepchirchir, Lilian Odira, and Faith Cherotich, each received Ksh3 million. Kipyegon collected the cheque on behalf of Chebet, who was grieving the recent loss of her father-in-law.
Absa Kenya commits Kshs60M to 2025 athletics season
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who delivered Kenya’s only men’s gold in the 800m, also received Ksh3 million. Dorcus Ewoi, who won silver in the women’s 1500m, earned Ksh2 million, while steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem received Ksh1 million.
The cash awards from the government came on top of the World Athletics prize money. For individual gold, athletes receive US$70,000 (about Ksh9 million), silver US$35,000 (Ksh4.5 million), and bronze US$22,000 (Ksh2.8 million). Relay teams earn even more collectively, while any athlete breaking a world record pockets an additional US$100,000 (Ksh12.9 million).
Government commitment to sports
Speaking during the handing over of the flag to the Team Kenya athletes heading to the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo on September 3, 2025, Ruto stated his government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and encouraging sporting spirit.
He noted that many sportsmen and women dedicate years of training under difficult conditions and deserve recognition when they succeed on the world stage.
The president also reminded the team that the new scheme is part of wider reforms. He said the Sports Fund has been ring-fenced exclusively for sports personalities, ending years of misuse.
Additionally, the president proposed a pay raise in daily allowances from Ksh7,770 (USD60) to Ksh25,830 (USD 200) going forward.
“The men and women who carry our flag high must never feel neglected. Their victories are Kenya’s victories,” Ruto said.
The new athletics rewards follow a similar programme extended to the Harambee Stars after their successful run at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Each player then received close to Ksh5 million.
