President Ruto Honors Team Kenya: Celebrating Triumphs and Charting the Future of Athletics
In a moment of national pride and reflection, President William Ruto hosted Team Kenya at State House Nairobi on October 2, 2025, to honor their stellar performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The breakfast ceremony was more than a celebration it was a strategic declaration of Kenya’s commitment to nurturing athletic excellence and securing the future of its sports heroes.
A Golden Performance in Tokyo
Kenya finished second globally and first in Africa at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, clinching an impressive 11 medals:
- 7 Gold: Beatrice Chebet (5,000m & 10,000m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Peres Jepchirchir (marathon), Lillian Odira (800m), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m)
- 2 Silver: Faith Kipyegon and Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m)
- 2 Bronze: Reynold Cheruiyot (1,500m) and Edmund Serem (3,000m steeplechase)
President Ruto praised the athletes for “flying our flag high” and “silencing every doubter,” calling them “a people who rise, conquer, and shine with unmatched excellence”.
Rewards and Recognition
To honor their achievements, the government released Ksh 27 million in prize money:
- Gold medalists received Ksh 3 million
- Silver medalists got Ksh 2 million
- Bronze medalists earned Ksh 1 million
In addition, each medalist will benefit from the Affordable Housing Programme, with the government covering 50% of the cost of a house in a location of their choice.
Securing the Future: Recruitment into Discipline Services
President Ruto announced the recruitment of 500 sportsmen and women into Kenya’s disciplined forces including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and National Youth Service. This initiative aims to provide athletes with long-term support, training infrastructure, and career stability.
Integrity and Investment in Sports
Ruto also directed the reorganization of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya to align with international standards, reinforcing Kenya’s reputation for clean and fair competition. He emphasized that resources from the Sports Fund will be strictly used for sports development.
A Vision for Kenyan Athletics
This ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s sports narrative not just celebrating medals, but laying the groundwork for a sustainable, athlete-centered ecosystem. From financial rewards to housing, military integration to anti-doping reforms, the government’s multi-pronged approach signals a new era for athletics in Kenya.
As Faith Kipyegon, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Beatrice Chebet stood proudly with their medals, they weren’t just champions of Tokyo they were ambassadors of Kenya’s sporting future
