Team Kenya appeals for Ruto’s backing ahead of Tokyo Championship
By Luke Oluoch, September 3, 2025An optimistic mood engulfed the State House on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as Kenyan athletes appealed to President William Ruto to extend the gesture of rewarding sporting excellence to the Tokyo-bound World Athletics Championship team.
Speaking while being flagged off ahead of the global games, Team Kenya captain Julius Yego asserted that the athletes were geared for the task ahead of hunting for gold medals.
Yego challenged Ruto to play his part on his pledge of considering an even better rewards scheme for the outstanding performers from the global championship.
Earlier, Ruto had unveiled a new plan for individual athletes who win gold, silver, and bronze medals from the championship.
Going for gold
He further promised that the government would be in hand with more goodies as part of motivating the team on their return from Asia.
“As we get to Tokyo, we will do so well. I am coming back from a serious injury, but I am back now, and I promise you I will come back with something,” he stated.
These athletes have promised to do their best, and I know you will do your part. I don’t want to repeat that,” he stated.
Yego sentiments were echoed by trickster queen Mary Moraa, who urged the president to look into athletes’ rewards and welfare.
The 800-meter runner stated that they would be counting on the president to fulfil his word and honour their performance.
“We will bring many gold medals. Our eyes are focused on you, and we will rely on you to do your part,” she stated.
Yego also praised the government’s commitment to upgrading sports facilities through the sports ministry, citing the recent refurbishment that was seen as the country sprucing up during the CHAN games.
He termed the development as crucial for nurturing the next generations of track and field stars in the coming years.
New scheme
As part of the new reward scheme announced by the president, a gold medal from the Tokyo games will earn one Ksh3 million.
A silver medal, which previously earned one half a million, will now see a runner-up position earn an athlete Ksh3 million.
Meanwhile, a bronze winner will get Ksh1 million for his travails in the new scheme.
“I understand it takes time, effort, and lots of commitment to be a champion. It is the reason why we must recognise men and women who make such sacrifices to win for our country,”Ruto emphasised.