Kenyan athletics superstar, Faith Kipyegon, was honored on Tuesday by President William Ruto for her remarkable achievement in breaking two world records.
As a token of appreciation, she received a generous reward of Sh5 million and was also gifted a new three-bedroom house worth Sh6 million. This recognition highlights the exceptional talent and hard work that Kipyegon has displayed in her athletic career.
During a breakfast gathering at State House, Nairobi, Ruto announced that the government would award any athlete who breaks a world record with a sum of Sh5 million. This statement came after the President hosted Faith Kipyegon, Ferdinand Omanyala, and other esteemed athletes.
In recognition of his achievements as the Commonwealth and Africa 100m champion, Ferdinand Omanyala was personally awarded Sh2 million by the President. The President’s commitment to supporting and rewarding exceptional athletic performances demonstrates the government’s dedication to promoting sports excellence in Kenya.
During the event, President William Ruto made an important announcement regarding the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (Sports Fund). He clarified that the funds raised for this initiative would be solely dedicated to sports, arts, and the creative economy, with no allocation to other areas.
The President emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the existing cash reward scheme to ensure it encompasses not only sports but also the arts and creative economy. This adjustment aims to provide equitable recognition and support.
“This morning, I offered breakfast to Faith, her parents and also fellow athletes to celebrate and recognise what she has done not only for herself, but our country,” Ruto said, adding that Kipyegon stands as a shining model of consistency, discipline, hard work as well as family.
“Faith is a great Kenyan woman, mother, wife and a world champion rolled into one,” said Ruto, who hailed Omanyala as Africa’s sprint king.
This house is part of the affordable housing scheme initiated by the government, which aims to provide housing options for citizens at reasonable prices.
“Going forward, we have decided that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and goes on to break a world record, unlike in the past, will be recognised through cash rewards,” said Ruto.
“In recognition of what our sportsmen and women are doing, we have had a policy shift, I have instructed the ministries concerned to move away from crowding the Sports Fund with other requirements. Sports Funds is going to be dedicated solely to matters of sports, arts and the creative economy,” said Ruto.
President William Ruto was joined by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary for Sport, the Arts, and Youth Affairs Ababu Namwamba, and Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei, among other dignitaries, during the event. Their presence highlighted the importance and significance of honoring and celebrating the achievements of Kenyan athletes.
