Kelvin Kiarie to Bag Millions as Govt Rewards Kenyan Skating Champion After Public Outcry

The government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, has finally recognised Kenyan skating champion Kelvin Kiarie after public concern over his struggles to represent the country without state support.

Kiarie, who has been funding his participation in international skating competitions using personal resources and donations from Kenyans, met Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Thursday, May 8, 2026.

The meeting came days after Kenyans online raised concerns over the athlete’s situation despite winning medals for the country in international competitions.

Kelvin Kiarie’s Medal Wins Earn Him Millions

During the meeting held at Talanta Plaza, the PS promised that the government would reward Kiarie for all the medals he has won while representing Kenya under the recently introduced National Awarding Scheme for athletes by President William Ruto.

Also Read: Ruto Sends Message to Kelvin Kiarie After African Skating Championship Gold Win

Under the government’s new National Awarding Scheme, gold medal winners will now receive Ksh3 million, up from the previous Ksh750,000, while silver medalists will pocket Ksh2 million, an increase from KSh500,000. Bronze medalists will also earn Ksh1 million, up from KSh350,000 under the previous system.

The scheme also rewards athletes who break world records with an additional Ksh5 million bonus.

“We do have over 148 sports. Some may not be very well known, but now through people like Kelvin, we are able to know them,” said Mwangi.

“But since we have a policy on rewarding our athletes, that policy qualifies for everybody. We are going to reward you accordingly,” he added.

Government to Facilitate Paraguay Trip

Kiarie recently won a gold and silver medal for Kenya in Benin before securing two more gold medals at the Africa Skate Games held in Egypt this month.

His impressive performance has now earned him qualification for the World Skate Games set to take place in Paraguay, with the government confirming it will facilitate his participation.

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

In a statement after meeting the athlete, Mwangi said the government remained committed to supporting athletes in emerging sports disciplines.

“This afternoon, I was delighted to host skating champion Kelvin Kiarie alongside Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya as we congratulated him on his outstanding achievements,” said the PS.

“In recognition of his remarkable performance, the Government, through the National Awarding Scheme, has honoured and awarded Kiarie for his wins in all his international competitions,” he added.

The PS also encouraged athletes involved in emerging sports to formally register with the Sports Registrar’s office to help the ministry offer structured support and protection.

Kenyans Raised Ksh111,000 for the Athlete

Before receiving government recognition, Kiarie had revealed that Kenyans raised Ksh111,000 to help him settle debts accumulated while representing the country abroad.

“Thank you Kenyans for the support you’ve given me. I had some debts and I have managed to pay some. Someone had sponsored me to Singapore last year through debt and it’s almost fully paid. I don’t take it for granted,” said Kiarie.

His story sparked widespread reactions online, with many Kenyans questioning why an athlete winning medals for the country had been competing without government sponsorship.

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Kelvin Kiarie wins Gold at the African Skating Championship in Cairo Egypt. PHOTO/Kelvin Kiarie/X