Kenyan leaders across the political spectrum have celebrated the national athletics team for its extraordinary performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Team Kenya secured a historic second-place finish on the medal table with 11 medals – 7 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze – trailing only the United States, which claimed 12 gold medals. The championships concluded on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Japan National Stadium after nine days of intense competition.

President Ruto

President William Ruto led the tributes in a post on X, praising Team Kenya for conquering the global stage. He highlighted the team’s 11-medal haul as another golden chapter in the nation’s sporting history. Among the standout performances were Beatrice Chebet’s double gold in the women’s 10,000m and 5,000m, Faith Kipyegon’s 1,500m triumph alongside teammate Dorcus Ewoi’s silver, and Jackline Odira’s record-breaking run in the women’s 800m with a Championship Record of 1:54.62.

“Well done, Team Kenya! You have conquered the global stage at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo; finishing second in the world and proudly claiming first in Africa! With an incredible 11 medals including 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, you have written yet another golden chapter in our nation’s sporting history. You have flown our flag high, silenced every doubter, and shown the world that Kenya is not just a country of runners, but a nation of champions; a people who rise, conquer, and shine with unmatched excellence. I am beyond proud of you. Kenya is proud. Africa is proud. Hongera, Team Kenya!,” read Ruto’s post on X.

Principal Secretary in the National Treasury Chris Kiptoo echoed the president’s pride, noting Kenya’s continued success beyond the track. He pointed to Sebastian Sawe’s victory at the Berlin Marathon in 2:02:16 and Rosemary Wanjiru’s 2:21:05 win in the women’s race as evidence of the country’s depth in long-distance events.

Calls for continued support

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka congratulated medalists and participants, highlighting the bravery and resilience of the women’s team that swept long-distance events. He cited Peres Jepchirchir’s victory in the women’s marathon and Faith Cherotich’s dominance in the 3,000m steeplechase as examples of the squad’s strength.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah underscored the historic nature of Kenya’s sweep of all women’s distance events from 800m to the marathon. He called for sustained investment to maintain and expand Kenya’s dominance on the world stage, noting the performance as proof of the country’s potential.

Kenya’s achievements in Tokyo, combined with marathon wins in Berlin, marked a defining moment for the nation’s athletes. Canada, the Netherlands and Spain rounded out the top five on the medal table. The haul has reinforced Kenya’s position as a global athletics powerhouse, with evolving talent ready for future competitions.