President William Ruto has announced that the government has reviewed cash rewards for sportsmen and women to motivate and appreciate their patriotism in representing Kenya on the global stage. The Head of State made the announcement on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 evening during the official handover of the national flag to Team Kenya, who will represent the country at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 21, 2025 where more than 2,000 athletes from about 200 countries are expected to participate in the competition.
Record Boost in Medal Rewards
Drawing inspiration from the recent unprecedented reward to the Harambee Stars after their impressive African Nations Championship (CHAN) run, Ruto revealed a new package for athletes heading to Tokyo.
You remember that initially if you won gold, you would get Sh750,000. We have reviewed that now that any gold medalist, as you come back from Tokyo, we are now going to give them a reward of Sh3 million
President RutoHenceforth Gold medalists will now earn Sh3 million (up from Sh750,000),Silver medalists will take home Sh2 million (up from Sh500,000) and Bronze medalists will pocket Sh1 million (up from Sh350,000).
Expanded Package for Commonwealth Games
The President also extended the review to the Commonwealth Games, unveiling a new structure to encourage excellence: Gold medalists will now get Sh2.5 million (up from Sh500,000), Silver medalists will earn Sh1.5 million (up from Sh300,000) and Bronze medalists – Sh1 million (up from Sh200,000). He went ahead to promise that the ministry is going to review other packages to ensure that they encourage the sporting spirit in Kenya because athletes remain Kenya’s biggest ambassadors on the global stage.
Improved Allowances for Athletes and Officials
President Ruto also announced a sharp rise in daily allowances for athletes and officials during international competitions. At present, each athlete receives USD 60 (Sh7,740) per day. Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to raise this to USD 200 (Sh25,800) per day, effective at the Tokyo championships while officials will also receive an increase to USD 300 (Sh38,700) per day.
Inspiration from Harambee Stars
The President’s decision follows his earlier gesture to Harambee Stars players at CHAN, where each win earned Sh1 million and each draw Sh500,000. The reward scheme has been credited with boosting morale, helping the team stun three-time champions Morocco, two-time winners DR Congo, and former AFCON champions Zambia. Despite bowing out in the Round of 16 through penalties against Madagascar, the debutant team left a mark in what was dubbed the “group of death.”
