In a moving tribute to one of Kenya’s greatest sporting icons, President William Ruto has awarded Faith Kipyegon a Ksh10 million cash prize following her breathtaking world-record performances this season a gesture meant to recognize not just her victories, but the pride and hope she brings to millions of Kenyans.
Speaking during a luncheon at State House on Thursday, where he hosted the Harambee Stars after their run in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), President Ruto briefly turned the spotlight to the track, praising Kenya’s women athletes for rewriting history on the global stage.
“Faith didn’t just win she made history,” the President said, visibly moved. “She broke her own world record. Twice. She put Kenya on the map again.”
At the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, Kipyegon ran the 1500m in a blistering 3:48.68, breaking her own world record and becoming the first woman in history to dip under the 3:49 mark.
Just weeks later, she returned to the track at the Silesia Diamond League, where she clocked 8:07.04 in the 3000m a time just one second shy of the world record that’s stood since 1993.
To many people who knows Kipyegon, she is more than just a runner. She’s a mother, a role model, and a reminder of the potential that lies within Kenya’s youth if nurtured properly.
Recognizing this, Ruto announced a Ksh15 million reward package for Kipyegon and fellow record-setter Beatrice Chebet, who also stunned the athletics world in Oregon by becoming the first woman to run the 5000m under 14 minutes, clocking 13:58.06.
“Another great lady,” Ruto said of Chebet. “She’ll receive Ksh5 million.”
Behind the numbers lies a broader government pledge to support sports in a meaningful way beyond the usual headlines. The President reaffirmed that the Ministry of Sports has set aside Ksh55 million to reward athletes who’ve recently excelled on the international stage.
“We are changing how we honour our champions,” Ruto said. “We are aligning rewards with global standards and the reality of the rising cost of living.”
Under the revised payout structure, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists will now receive Ksh3 million, up from Ksh750,000. Silver and bronze medalists will receive Ksh2 million and Ksh1 million respectively.
The same increases will apply to outstanding performances in the Commonwealth Games, where top athletes were previously paid as little as Ksh500,000 for gold.
