In a groundbreaking move to motivate and recognize Kenyan athletes, the government of Kenya has awarded World Champion Faith Kipyegon with a cash prize of Sh5 million and a three-bedroom house in Nairobi worth Sh6 million.

The renowned middle-distance runner has been recognised with an impressive package after shattering two world records: the 1500m world record at the 2023 Wanda Diamond League and the women's 5,000 meters world record during the Paris Diamond League event.

The announcement was made by President William Ruto during a press conference held on Tuesday morning at the State House in Nairobi.

With great enthusiasm, Ruto shared the government's new initiative to honour and support athletes who break world records.

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He expressed the government's commitment to rewarding such achievements, which were previously overlooked.

"And going forward, we have decided as a 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," stated Ruto.

"Going forward for every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Sh5 million, and we are going to start today with Faith. The government of Kenya is going to award her a total of five million for one record, and we are going to give her a house worth Sh6 million for the other record."

Emphasizing the importance of motivating and supporting athletes, Ruto highlighted the abundance of talent within Kenya and the potential for breaking more world records.

He pledged the government's commitment to working closely with athletes, providing both support and appropriate rewards.

"For all the other world records and record breakers that will come after Faith, our own men and women can be motivated because we already have the talent," stated Ruto.

"We have the pool of talented resources in Kenya that can break any record, and going forward, we're going to work with our athletes and support them, and beyond supporting them, reward them appropriately."


Ruto also drew attention to the broader initiative of monetizing sports and other creative industries in Kenya.

He emphasized the need to recognize the economic potential in these areas and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by the individuals involved.

While receiving her awards, the world champion who was clearly beside herself with joy, shock and excitement thanked the president, the Kenyan Government and Kenyans for supporting her.

"I'm so excited I don't know where to start and finish. I'm so emotional to be here. I feel appreciated...to be back home, to see this kind of reception it's warmed my heart," Kipyegon said.

Kipyegon revealed that the rewards she received have offered her an opportunity to fulfil a promise she made to her father to buy him a vehicle.

"Thank you so much Mr. President, I am so happy with the reward. Now I can own a house in Nairobi...I was not expecting this to say the truth," she expressed.

"And with the money, I can now say I can now buy my father. I promised him when I was going to break the world record that I was going to buy a car for him. So now I can fulfil my promise. Thanks you so much," the emotional athlete said.