On Wednesday, June 28, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua handed over Ksh3 million cash in a bag to the Special Olympics Team, who recently represented Kenya in a marathon in Berlin, Germany.
Gachagua recognized the monies were a tribute of his appreciation during a news conference at the DP’s mansion in Karen, Nairobi, adding that the team will enjoy a lunch suitable for heroes who lifted the country’s flag high.
He also urged the media to give the athletes adequate coverage in order to improve their profiles.
“We will support you in every way and we request the media to profile them nicely, and talk about their victories and stories. I will give you Ksh3 million cash to enjoy. Who is ready for ugali and meat?” he stated amidst an applause of the crowd.
While presenting the awards, he announced that the Kenya-Kwanza administration would gift a total of Ksh10.2 million prize to the athletes for their exemplary performance.
The ten individuals who scooped gold medals were awarded Ksh750,000 each while the five teams that won a gold medal would walk away with Ksh100,000.
Two individual silver medals were awarded Ksh500,000 each and the two teams were gifted Ksh75,000 each.
In the bronze category, three individuals were awarded Ksh300,000 each while three teams that won the bronze medals were to receive Ksh50,000 each.
On Tuesday, June 13, President William Ruto announced that the Ministry of Sports had reviewed the existing cash reward scheme for Kenyan athletes.
He noted that the government would award Ksh5 million for every world record. At the time, he awarded sensational athlete Faith Kipyegon a Ksh5 million cash prize and a house worth Ksh6 million for her record-breaking performances in the Florence and Paris Diamond Leagues.
On the other hand, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala was gifted Ksh2 million for setting the pace for other athletes in the short races.
“Kipyegon has won and broken two world records in 1,500 meters and 5,000 metres. The government of Kenya is going to award her Ksh5 million for the 1,500 metres record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh6 million in appreciation of the second 5,000 metres record,” Ruto added.
