Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie has alleged that he received only Sh 870,000 from a government reward package that he says had earlier been promised at approximately Sh 2.87 million.
Kiarie, who recently gained widespread attention online and became a viral sensation because of his skating journey and achievements, opened up about his experience while detailing a series of visits to government offices in pursuit of the support and reimbursement he says had been pledged.
According to Kiarie, discussions with government officials had initially left him optimistic after commitments were reportedly made regarding reimbursement for expenses he incurred while competing abroad and rewards linked to his sporting achievements.
Speaking about his first interaction with officials, Kiarie described what he termed a frustrating process that stretched over several days.
“The PS made a commitment with me that I would get out of the money that I had spent in Egypt on that day,” he said.
However, he claimed events unfolded differently from what he had anticipated.
“So to my shock, I was left in the office all alone, and I ended up going home, but there was one guy that told me to follow up,” he stated.
Kiarie then went on to narrate what he described as repeated follow-up attempts in the days that followed.
“So since then, that was the first day I went. Monday last week was the second day. I went there and there were some requirements that they needed from me so that they could reimburse me.”
He said he initially believed the process would be straightforward, but he soon discovered that there were additional procedures and documentation requirements involved.
“So I thought that it was going to be an easy process, but I have worked it through.”
According to him, the process involved nearly daily visits as he sought to finalize the matter.
“Tuesday of last week was day three. Wednesday was day four, Thursday was day five and Friday was day six. We’ve been to that office seeking help and seeking what had been promised to us by the PS, and we’ve been optimistic throughout the journey,” he said.
The skater further claimed that despite the lengthy process, he eventually received a payment of Sh 870,000. However, he expressed uncertainty regarding how the figure had been arrived at.
“Because of my China trip, you guys were not so happy and throughout you have tried and you have called, I was able to be rewarded cash Sh 870,000,” he stated.
Kiarie explained that the amount he had expected was based on reward figures that he says had been discussed during meetings.
“Up to now, I am yet to identify which award was awarded out of the awards that I won,” he said.
“During our discussions in that meeting, I received a commitment that every gold I won would reward me with a total of Sh 750,000. Every silver that I won, I would get a total of Sh 500,000.”
Kiarie said he had won three gold medals and one silver medal, leading him to calculate a much larger expected payout.
“So when you do a total, I won three golds, so that is Sh 750,000 by three plus Sh 500,000.”
He added that before leaving the meeting, he believed there had been an agreement on an estimated total amount.
“Before I left that office, we had agreed that I would approximately get an amount of Sh 2.87 million, contrary to what I got yesterday, Sh 870,000.”
Kiarie now says he plans to seek a formal explanation regarding the amount he received.
