Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has raised sharp concerns in the Senate over the government’s management of athletes’ welfare, spotlighting the controversy surrounding Kenya’s participation in the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Speaking during Wednesday, October 1, 2025, plenary, the Senator sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on the implementation of the government’s new athletes’ rewards scheme and the general welfare of sportsmen and women.

According to Parliament, the Senator noted that there are still major questions despite the revision of the scheme.

“Serious concerns persist over transparency, equity and fulfilment of commitments to players across various sporting disciplines,” the Parliament report reads.

Parliament said the Senator has called on the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide details on how much money has been allocated and released under the scheme.

“The Committee should provide clarity on the total amount of money allocated and disbursed to sportsmen and women under the new rewards scheme in the financial year 2025/2026, including a detailed breakdown by sporting event, particularly the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo,” the statement reads.

Parliament stated that the Cherargei also questioned the treatment of athletes during the Tokyo championships.

“He further called for explanations on the arrangements made for athletes’ travel and participation in Tokyo, including reports of separation by travel class and the repatriation of some athletes before they could compete,” the statement reads.

Parliament reported that attention also turned to the role of officials who travelled with the team.
“The Senator also urged the Committee to shed light on the imprests issued to officials who accompanied the team to Tokyo, specifying their roles and the amounts received,” Parliament reports.

Parliament added that other sporting disciplines have also been affected by delayed or unfulfilled payments.

“Additionally, he highlighted the delayed payment of allowances to teams such as the Malkia Strikers, the unfulfilled promises to the Rugby Lionesses, and pending allowances and rewards due to other athletes,” the statement reads.

Parliament said the Senator concluded by calling for concrete measures to ensure athletes are properly supported.

“He underscored that these provisions are vital in enabling athletes to fully focus on their training and development, including the nurturing of junior teams for future competitions.” Parliament report.