President William Ruto has unveiled a new rewarding scheme for Kenyan athletes ahead of the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

Speaking during the handing over of the flag to the Team Kenya athletes heading to the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo this Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Ruto stated his government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and encouraging sporting spirit.

Having seen other sports disciplines rewarded after their recent showing, including the Kenyan national soccer team, Harambee Stars, Ruto assured that athletics was no exception.

According to the new 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,” he stated.

New scheme for Tokyo

“Initially if you win gold, you would get Ksh700k. We have now reviewed that. Any gold medalist as you come back from Tokyo, you will get Ksh3 million; silver from Ksh500,000 to Ksh3 million; and bronze from Ksh350,000 to ksh1 million

Ruto also announced an improved package for the Commonwealth Games from 500,000 to 2.5 million for gold and 300k to 1.5 million for silver and bronze, and Ksh 200,000 to Ksh1 million. The ministry will review other packages to encourage sporting spirit and excellence,” he assured.

In a bold move aimed at imparting morale to sports personalities in the country, the president stated that his administration has effected a change of law that reverted the sports funds kitty exclusively to honouring and rewarding sports personalities.

Sports funds

“Realising the potential of our sporting talent, we have reorganised our sporting space. We have made sure resources available for sports are being fenced. The sports fund initially was made for sports only. Along the line, many other things were brought on board, but we have now changed the law, and the money from sports funds is being ring-fenced for sportsmen and women only.” He stated.

Additionally, the president proposed a pay raise in daily allowances from Ksh7,770 (USD60) to Ksh25,830 (USD 200) going forward.