President William Ruto on Thursday morning at the Nairobi State House feted the triumphant team Kenya from the just concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The President presented cheques to the 9 athletes who won 11 medals at the 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships, with Kenya finishing 2nd on the medal table.
Each of the six gold medalists was rewarded Ksh 3 million, while the two silver medalists received Ksh 2 million each, and the two bronze medalists received Ksh 1 million.
Speaking during the event, Ruto directed the recruitment of 500 sportsmen and women to the disciplined forces to boost their training and nurture their talent.
The President explained that he had discussed the matter with the Chief of the Defence Forces and the Inspector-General of Police for the Kenya Defence Forces to recruit 200 sportsmen and women, while the National Police Service will hire 150.
He said the Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the National Youth Service will also recruit the remaining 150 sportsmen and women.
President Ruto explained that this measure will help Kenya position itself as a powerhouse in various sports.
“This will provide the sportsmen and women a base to get effective training and necessary equipment and support to continue raising the standard of sports in our country,” he said.
In addition, President Ruto said the government will pay half the cost of an affordable house of choice for every medallist.
On integrity in sports, the President instructed the relevant ministry to reorganise the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya to inject professionalism, best practices, and international standards.
The President reiterated that resources from the Sports Fund will only be used for the development of sports in the country.
