Faith Kipyegon: Ruto Announces Ksh5M Cash Reward For Breaking World Records

President William Ruto on Tuesday, June 13 awarded athlete Faith Kipyegon for breaking two world records in Florence Diamond League (Florence, Italy), and Wanda Diamond League (Paris).

Addressing the nation from State House Nairobi where he hosted Kipyegon, her family, and other athletes for breakfast, Ruto announced that Kipyegon would be given a house worth Ksh6 million.

She would also receive a cash reward of Ksh5 million for breaking the 1,500 and 5,000 meters record.

Faith Kipyegon and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba at the JKIA on June 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

"For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Ksh5 million.

"She 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 one record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh6 million," Ruto added.

Kipyegon's three-bedroomed house is based in Parklands, Nairobi and was built under the Affordable Housing programme.

The Head of State noted that the reward is part of a new scheme that will see athletes rewarded for exemplary performances.

"I have also asked the ministry that the government of Kenya should review the reward scheme so that we can recognise and reward appropriately the men and women who attain excellence in sports, arts, and creative economy. 

"And going forward we have decided as the government of Kenya that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and breaks a world record, unlike in the past, when there was no recognition, going forward, for every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award five million shillings," he added.

At the same time, Ruto announced that athletes such as Kipyegon who excel will receive diplomatic passports to facilitate their movements locally and abroad. 

Speaking after the awarding, Kipyegon tearfully narrated that the cash would allow her to buy her father a car.

"I promised my father that if I smash the world record I will buy him a car. I am happy to receive the cash as it will enable me to buy him the car," Kipyegon said. 

The Head of State also gifted 100 metres African Champion for 2023, Ferdinand Omanyala, Ksh2 million for setting the pace for other athletes in the short races.

"I want to promise you in two weeks' time we are going to get a medal in the championship. And it has never happened in Africa," Omanyala promised in his speech before he was presented with the dummy cheque.

The Head of State argued that the awards were meant to celebrate athletes who were progressing in different economic sectors.

President Ruto and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba with athletes Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala at State House, Nairobi on June 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO