Millions of shillings NOC-K will pocket after IOC increased solidarity budget

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has increased its annual solidarity allocation to Kenya's National Olympic Committee (NOCK) by 10%, raising the total to Ksh 83.5 billion ($650 million).

This boost aims to strengthen athlete-centered programs and support initiatives.

IOC President Thomas Bach, currently on a three-day visit to Kenya, announced in Nairobi after meeting with officials from Kenya’s sports federations.

Bach highlighted the importance of this increased funding for supporting athletes, saying:

"We will enhance these supports and our cooperation with you by increasing the Olympic solidarity budget, managed by Kenyans, by 10%—up to $650 million.

This provides an opportunity to bolster both athlete-focused and human-centered programs," he said.

In the same meeting, Bach encouraged Kenya to work towards increasing its medal count at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, reiterating the IOC’s ongoing support for NOCK.

“We invited several of our national federations and affiliates together to strengthen our movement. It was a productive session, where we shared our mission of developing this platform for all,” he added.

Kenyan trio of Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi nominated for Track Athlete of the Year

Bach, set to leave his role in June, urged President William Ruto to increase funding for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).

"I will request President Ruto to raise Kenya’s financial commitment to anti-doping efforts. We want to celebrate Kenyan athletes’ achievements without concerns over doping controversies,” Bach stated on Thursday afternoon.

ADAK has expressed concerns over budget cuts this fiscal year, warning that reduced funding could impact its operations.

Bach further mentioned that African countries can host future Olympic Games, but he ruled out adding new sports disciplines to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Retired Kenyan marathoner Samson Kandie's wife part of four suspects in his murder

Before concluding his visit, Bach plans to meet athletes in Eldoret and make a stop at the Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana on Saturday.

This marks Bach’s first visit to Kenya since his election in 2013, accompanied by Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) President Mustapha Beraf.