In an unprecedented move to recognize and motivate Kenyan athletes, the government of Kenya has honored World Champion Faith Kipyegon with remarkable rewards. Kipyegon received a cash prize of Sh5 million and a three-bedroom house in Nairobi worth Sh6 million.
The celebrated middle-distance runner earned this impressive package by breaking two world records: the 1500m world record at the 2023 Wanda Diamond League and the women’s 5,000 meters world record during the Paris Diamond League event.
During a press conference held at the State House in Nairobi, President William Ruto made the announcement, expressing the government’s commitment to supporting and rewarding athletes who achieve such remarkable feats.
Ruto emphasized the government’s new initiative to honor world record breakers, acknowledging that these achievements were previously overlooked. He announced that for every world record broken by a Kenyan athlete, the government will award Sh5 million. To commence this initiative, Faith Kipyegon was awarded a total of five million for one record and a house worth Sh6 million for the other.
Ruto underscored the significance of motivating and supporting athletes, highlighting the wealth of talent within Kenya and the potential for breaking more world records. The government pledged to work closely with athletes, providing support and appropriate rewards.
The President stated, “We have the pool of talented resources in Kenya that can break any record, and going forward, we’re going to work with our athletes and support them, and beyond supporting them, reward them appropriately.”
Ruto also emphasized the broader initiative of monetizing sports and creative industries in Kenya. He recognized the economic potential in these areas and acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by individuals involved.
During the award ceremony, Faith Kipyegon expressed her overwhelming joy and gratitude to the President, the Kenyan Government, and her fellow Kenyans for their support. She expressed her excitement and appreciation for the rewards, which have enabled her to fulfill a promise she made to her father to buy him a vehicle.
With heartfelt emotions, Kipyegon said, “Thank you so much Mr. President, I am so happy with the reward. Now I can own a house in Nairobi…I was not expecting this, to tell the truth. And with the money, I can now say I can buy my father. I promised him when I was going to break the world record that I was going to buy a car for him. So now I can fulfill my promise. Thank you so much.”
