Team Kenya to Tokyo Championships set for grand return
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 18.09.25. | 09:55
Revised medal bonuses will see gold medalists pocket Ksh3 million, silver medalists Ksh2 million, and bronze medalists Ksh1 million
Kenya’s athletes at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will return home in style, with the government confirming that all medalists will be flown back in business class as part of honoring their exploits on the global stage.
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Speaking on Wednesday, 17 September, the Secretary Administration of Sports, Evans Achoki, revealed that the arrangement was meant to motivate athletes and celebrate their stellar performances.
“We will plan a grand return for all our medalists and the entire team. The travel arrangements have been made, and we intend to fly all our athletes in business class so that they will be motivated to work harder,” Achoki said.
So far, Kenya sits second on the medal table with four days to go, having amassed seven medals: four gold, one silver, and two bronze.
Faith Kipyegon, the undisputed queen of the 1,500 m, secured her fourth world title, while Faith Cherotich ended Kenya’s six-year wait for gold in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir added to Kenya’s glory with victory in the women’s marathon, as Beatrice Chebet clinched gold in the 10,000m.
Dorcas Ewoi claimed silver in the women’s 1,500m, while Edmund Serem (men’s 3,000m steeplechase) and Reynold Cheruiyot (men’s 1,500m) brought home bronze medals.
Achoki further credited the improved welfare of athletes for the strong performances. He confirmed that all allowances and rewards promised by the government had been disbursed promptly, noting that this financial assurance boosted morale in camp.
Earlier, President William Ruto had directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to revise athletes’ welfare upwards. The athletes’ daily stipend was increased from 60 dollars (Sh7,740) to 200 dollars (Sh25,800), while officials now receive 300 dollars (Sh38,700).
Medal bonuses were also revised, with gold medalists set to pocket Ksh3 million, silver medalists Ksh2 million, and bronze medalists Ksh1 million.
“All dues that were payable pursuant to the directives that we received have been paid, and we are happy to note that this has really motivated our athletes,” Achoki reiterated.
He also extended gratitude to Kenyans and global fans whose unwavering support has cheered the team on.
“We are very grateful for how the entire world is receiving and applauding our athletes. We want to thank all Kenyans who have rallied behind the team. It has been very good and we have received support both from Kenya and here in Japan,” he added.
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Kenya fielded 52 athletes—28 men and 24 women, finishing fifth overall with 10 medals that included three gold, three silver, and four bronze.
