Ruto Rewards Tokyo 2025 Athletes with Ksh27 Million and Affordable Housing Support

President William Ruto with Kenyan athletes and officials during a celebratory State House breakfast in Nairobi on October 2, 2025/ PCS

President William Ruto has announced a Ksh27 million cash reward package for Kenyan athletes who brought glory to the nation during the just-concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Speaking during a celebratory State House breakfast in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto praised the athletes for their historic performance, declaring Kenya a nation of champions.

“Our athletes in Tokyo carried our flag with pride and brought immense honour to Kenya, proving to the world that we are not participants in the league of nations; we play in the league of champions,” the President said.

“Winning 7 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze… is testimony that Kenya is not made for average… but for excellence.”

Kenya finished second globally and first in Africa, clinching 11 medals: 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze in what Ruto described as a demonstration of the country’s extraordinary sporting talent and potential.

President William Ruto with athlete Faith Kipyegon during the celebratory State House breakfast in Nairobi on October 2, 2025/ PCS

Cash Rewards and Affordable Housing for Athletes

As part of the government’s revamped sports reward program, Ruto announced that Gold medalists will receive Ksh3 million each, Silver medalists will receive Ksh2 million each and Bronze medalists will be awarded Ksh1 million each.

In addition to the monetary awards, Ruto revealed that gold medalists would be eligible for affordable housing units, with the government covering 50% of the cost, and the athletes covering the remainder. However, he clarified that no one is receiving free houses.

“There are some who, because of ignorance, believe we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is going to be given to anybody without being paid for,” he said.

Tokyo Champions in State House, Nairobi, on October 2, 2025/ PCS

Kenya’s Medalists in Tokyo

Beatrice Chebet led the pack with two gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m, while Faith Kipyegon claimed gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 1,500m mixed relay.

Peres Jepchirchir took gold in the women’s marathon, with Lillian Odira winning gold in the 800m, and Faith Cherotich topping the podium in the 3,000m steeplechase. Emmanuel Wanyonyi also struck gold in the men’s 800m.

In the silver category, Dorcas Ewoi earned her medal in the 1,500m mixed relay, while Reynold Cheruiyot and Edmund Serem claimed bronze medals in the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase, respectively.

The strong performances placed Kenya second globally and first in Africa, a proud moment for the country and a testament to the athletes’ dedication and hard work.

Of the seven gold medals, six were won by women, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in women’s athletics on the global stage.

World Athletics Prize Money

Beyond the government's rewards, Kenyan athletes also took home substantial prize money from World Athletics, gold medalists earned USD 70,000 (Ksh9 million), silver medalists earned USD 35,000 (Ksh4.5 million) and bronze medalists earned USD 22,000 (Ksh2.8 million)

Tokyo Champions in State House, Nairobi, on October 2, 2025/ PCS

In total, Kenya’s athletes secured approximately Ksh78 million in prize money from the championships.

President Ruto pledged to continue investing in sports, saying the government is committed to harnessing talent with integrity and raising the standards of athletics in Kenya.

“We commit ourselves, as a country, to harness our talents fully and to raise the standards of our sports to even greater heights.”