Olympic Games gold medallist to receive Ksh3M under new govt package
By Nancy Marende, July 9, 2025The government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, unveiled an enhanced support package for elite athletes and sports professionals, marking a major shift in how the country recognises and rewards sporting excellence.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Deputy Government spokesperson Gabriel Muthama stated that the package is part of ongoing efforts to professionalise athletics and promote long-term sustainability for sports careers in Kenya.
“As athletes enhance preparations for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the government has committed to a revised cash reward structure for medal-winning athletes in the Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games as part of its enhanced athlete support framework,” Muthama said.
According to Muthama, the revamped package aims to raise morale, match international standards, and ensure that sports is treated as a respected and rewarding career path for Kenya’s top performers.
Under the revised package, gold medallists at the Olympic and Paralympic Games will now receive Ksh3 million, a significant increase from the previous Ksh750,000.
Silver medallists will take home Ksh2 million, up from Ksh500,000, while bronze winners will earn Ksh1 million, a boost from the earlier Ksh350,000.
For the Commonwealth Games, gold medal winners will now be awarded Ksh2.5 million, a fivefold increase from Ksh500,000.
On the other hand, silver medallists will earn Ksh1.5 million, up from Ksh300,000, and bronze medallists will receive Ksh1 million, a notable rise from the previous Ksh200,000.
Furthermore, the revamped support framework goes beyond monetary rewards, including expanded medical coverage, scholarship opportunities, post-career transition programs, and mentorship pathways.
The government also announced increased investments in sports infrastructure and talent academies, designed to nurture emerging talent and secure Kenya’s sporting legacy for the future.
Prefontaine Classic
This comes after the government awarded athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet Ksh5 million each following their historic record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
Kipyegon blazed to victory in the women’s 1500 m, clocking 3 minutes 48.68 seconds to shatter her world record by 0.36 seconds.
The feat came just over a week after the three-time Olympic champion narrowly missed becoming the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile.
Chebet, meanwhile, set a new women’s 5,000 m world record with a time of 13:58.06, slicing more than two seconds off the previous mark set by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay in Eugene two years ago.
The cash rewards were issued under the government’s elite reward scheme for athletes who break world records or achieve major international victories.