President William Ruto has announced that 500 sportsmen and women will be recruited into Kenya’s disciplined forces as part of a national initiative to support athletic training and talent development.
Speaking at a breakfast reception held at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, October 2, Ruto said he had engaged with the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to spearhead the recruitment.
According to the President, the KDF will take in 200 athletes, while the National Police Service will absorb 150.
The remaining 150 athletes will be recruited by the Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the National Youth Service.
The announcement came as President Ruto hosted the Kenyan team that participated in the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo.
He praised the athletes for their stellar performance, having secured a total of 11 medals — 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze — placing Kenya second overall behind the United States.
“Out of 198 nations, we finished second only to the United States. That is the league of champions and excellence — and that is where Kenya belongs,” the President said.
