Ruto announces Ksh5M award for athletes who break World records
By Collins Amanga, June 13, 2023President William Ruto has made an exciting announcement that athletes who break world records in international events will be awarded a sum of 5 million Kenyan shillings.
The president shared this news during a gathering at State House on Tuesday, where he received renowned athletes, including Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala.
This announcement comes shortly after Faith Kipyegon’s remarkable achievements in the past few weeks. Kipyegon recently set a new world record and national record in the women’s 1,500 meters when she secured victory at the Florence Diamond League in Italy on June 2, 2023.
Athlete Faith Kipyegon set record
Just a week later, she astonished the world by breaking the women’s 5,000 meters world record during the Paris Diamond League in France.
Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia held the previous women’s 1,500m world record of 3:50.07, which she set in Monaco on July 15, 2015. Meanwhile, Letesenbet Gidey, also from Ethiopia, held the previous women’s 5,000m world record of 14:06.52, achieved in Valencia, Spain on October 7, 2020.
Addressing the gathering, President Ruto expressed the government’s recognition of the exceptional performances by Kenyan athletes on the global stage.
He emphasised the importance of acknowledging their hard work and dedication to sports. In the past, such achievements often went unrecognised, leaving athletes to face challenges in their later lives despite having brought glory to the nation.
William Ruto announcement
“We have decided as the government of Kenya that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and breaks a world record, unlike in the past where there was no recognition, the government is going to award 5 Million,” President Ruto announced.
This gesture by the government serves as a reprieve for athletes who have faced difficulties in their post-athletics careers despite representing Kenya with distinction. The substantial financial reward aims to honor and support those athletes who push the boundaries of human achievement and bring pride to the nation.