Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday night hosted Team Kenya at a colourful gala organised by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).
In the ceremony, Murkomen took turns dancing with the Olympic participants in the recently concluded world athletics events in Paris.
“Our sportsmen and women bring honour and pride to our country, and we can’t celebrate them enough,” Murkomen noted in a statement on X.
Further, he emphasised the need to empower athletes in their talent development, adding that the government would embark on an initiative to scout in schools.
“As a ministry, we are investing more resources in this sector because the returns are assured. Going forward, we’re putting greater emphasis on working with schools to identify and nurture sports talent as opposed to just waiting at the finish line,” he added.
Murkomen also lauded the athletes for flying the Kenyan flag high in France, where they ensured the country emerged as the top African country in terms of the medal tally.
“Once again, thank you, our athletes, coaches, managers, federations, Athletics Kenya, Ministry officials, and all who played a role in Paris. You continue to make us proud,” Murkomen noted.
The sports CS also assured the athletes of the government’s commitment to renovate the current sports infrastructure including stadia to meet the required international standards.
Team Kenya’s Olympic performance
Kenyan athletes bagged a total of 11 medals during the Paris Olympics. Among these, were four gold medals, two silver medals and five bronze.
In the first Olympic to award a cash reward, this meant that Beatrice Chebet who won a double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000 metres race pocketed a total of Ksh13 million.
Similarly, the sensational Faith Kipyegon came close by pocketing Ksh11 million after winning gold and silver in the 1500m and 5000m races respectively.
The country’s new 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi pocketed Ksh8.5 million from his Olympic exploits while Ronald Kwemboi bagged Ksh2 million after winning the silver medal in the 5000m men’s race.
Other beneficiaries of the Olympics cash rewards were Abraham Kibiwott (3000m steeplechase), Mary Moraa (800m), Faith Cherotich (3000 steeplechase), Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto (marathon) who all won bronze to pocket Ksh1 million each.
