NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced significant increases in daily allowances and medal rewards for Kenyan athletes and officials representing the country in international competitions, in a move aimed at strengthening sports development and talent growth.
Speaking on Thursday, April 30, Ruto said the government had raised daily allowances for athletes from $60 to $200, while officials will now receive $300 per day when on international duty.
“Daily allowances for athletes have been increased from $60 (Sh7,747) to $200 (Sh25,826), and for officials from $80 (Sh10,330) to $300 (Sh38,739) when representing the country abroad,” he said.
The Head of State said the revised rates are intended to improve welfare and motivate athletes as they compete globally, particularly young sportsmen and women seeking to develop their careers.
“These measures are designed to support sports development and ensure that our young men and women have every opportunity to nurture and advance their talents,” Ruto added.
The government also unveiled an enhanced reward structure for medal winners in athletics competitions. Under the new framework, gold medalists will receive Sh3 million, silver medalists Sh2 million, and bronze medalists Sh1 million.
“For Commonwealth Games, gold medal winners will now receive Sh2.5 million, silver medalists Sh1.5 million, and bronze medalists Sh1 million,” President Ruto said.
The announcement comes amid Kenya’s continued efforts to maintain its global dominance in distance running and athletics while improving incentives for elite performance.
During the same event, marathoner Sabastian Sawe was rewarded after setting a new world marathon record at the London Marathon, a performance that has drawn international attention.
The President said Sawe would receive a total of Sh8 million, combining Sh5 million for breaking the record and Sh3 million for winning gold at the event.
The President also presented Sawe with a personalised number plate bearing the timing “1:59:30” and announced plans to gift him a vehicle to use it on.
“This young man, Sebastian, has done something very important… Sabastian, I will buy you a car,” Ruto said.
He praised Sawe’s achievement, describing it as a historic milestone in global athletics and human endurance.
“What our very own Sebastian Sawe achieved last weekend on the streets of London is not merely a sporting triumph; it is a defining moment in the story of human endurance,” Ruto said.
The President added that Sawe’s name would be remembered in sporting history for breaking barriers previously thought impossible in marathon running.
