Kenyan athletes who delivered a historic performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to receive substantial financial rewards from the government.
The President recently reviewed and significantly increased the monetary prizes available to Kenyan sportsmen and women, bolstering recognition for their global achievements.
The nine-day event, which took place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to September 21, 2025, saw Kenya secure 11 awards in total.
This included a spectacular seven gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals, resulting in Kenya finishing second on the overall medal table.
Background to the Increased Rewards
The increase in prize money was confirmed by President Ruto before the team travelled to Tokyo. The revised reward structure sees a major uplift from previous amounts.
Previously, a gold medal secured Ksh 750,000. Under the new package, this reward has been quadrupled.
"We have reviewed that now that any gold medalist, as you come back from Tokyo, we are now going to give them a reward of 3 million shillings," the President announced.
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The President emphasised that athletes are the biggest ambassadors of the country. The Ministry is also tasked with reviewing other packages to further encourage the sporting spirit in Kenya.
The New Financial Structure
The revised reward amounts guarantee seven-figure payouts for all medal winners:
Medal Type Previous Reward (Ksh) New Reward (Ksh)
Gold 750,000 3,000,000
Silver 500,000 2,000,000
Bronze 350,000 1,000,000
Beyond medal incentives, the government also directed that the daily allowance paid to athletes representing Kenya in World Championships or other games outside Kenya be increased.
Tokyo Medalists and Their Government Payouts
The championships were historically significant, especially for Kenyan women, who won all the gold medals offered in track races from 800m to marathon.
Below is the list of individual athletes who will receive rewards based on their medal haul in Tokyo:
Athlete Event/Medal Won Monetary Reward (Ksh)
Beatrice Chebet Gold (10,000m), Gold (5,000m) 6,000,000
Faith Kipyegon Gold (1,500m), Silver (5,000m) 5,000,000
Peres Jepchirchir Gold (Marathon) 3,000,000
Emmanuel Wanyonyi Gold (Men's 800m) 3,000,000
Lilian Odira Gold (Women's 800m) 3,000,000
Faith Cherotich Gold (3,000m steeplechase) 3,000,000
Reynold Cheruiyot Silver (Men's 1,500m) 2,000,000
Dorcas Ewoi Silver (1,500m) 2,000,000
Edmund Serem Bronze (Men's 3,000m steeplechase) 1,000,000
This unprecedented level of financial support follows the historic performance in Tokyo. Lilian Odira, who won gold in the women’s 800m, reflected on the dedication required for such success.
She noted that athletes go through considerable challenges, including very early mornings and very late evenings.
The government confirmed these improvements were designed to improve pay and the money used for the upkeep of Kenya'semployees in sports.
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