Ruto Announces New Rewards for Athletes, Including Ksh 5 Million for Record Breakers [Full Details]

President William Ruto has announced a new reward scheme for Kenyan athletes aimed at recognising outstanding performances in international competitions.

Speaking at the State House in Nairobi on Friday, April 30, 2026, while honouring Sebastian Sawe, who broke the Men’s London Marathon record, Ruto revealed that athletes who excel in major races will receive enhanced financial incentives.

Under the new structure, athletes who win gold medals in marathon events will be rewarded Ksh 3 million, silver medalists will receive Ksh 2 million, and bronze medalists will get Ksh 1 million.

“For our athletes who compete in marathons and win gold medals, they will receive Ksh 3 million,” said Ruto.

Ruto Announces New Rewards for Athletes

The President also announced a higher reward of Ksh 5 million for athletes who break world records, a move he said aims at motivating Kenyan sportsmen and women to achieve even greater global success.

Also Read: Kenyan Marathoner Breaks World Record, Becomes First Man to Run Below 2 Hours

At the same time, the Head of State unveiled a separate reward scheme for the Commonwealth Games. Gold medal winners will receive Ksh 2.5 million, silver medalists Ksh 1.5 million, and bronze medalists Ksh 1 million.

Gifts that Sawe Received from the Head of State

The President further announced an increase in daily allowances for athletes and officials representing Kenya abroad. Athletes’ allowances have been raised from USD 60 to USD 200, while officials will now receive USD 300, up from USD 80.

“These measures are designed to support sports development and ensure that our young men and women have every opportunity to nurture and advance their talents,” said Ruto.

Also Read: World Athletics Makes Major Marathon Changes Affecting Kenyans and Global Runners

He added that investing in sports and the creative economy will help create sustainable livelihoods for young people.

During the ceremony, President William Ruto rewarded Sawe with Ksh 5 million for breaking the world record, Ksh 3 million for winning the gold medal, and two customised number plates indicating the record he set.

The President’s announcement comes days after Sawe’s historic performance on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the London Marathon, where he won in a time of 1:59:30. This made him the first man in history to run an official marathon in under two hours.

He broke the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, by 65 seconds.

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