President William Ruto has announced increases in daily allowances for athletes and sports officials during a homecoming ceremony for world record holder Sebastian Sawe. Athletes' allowances rise from $60 to $200 daily, and officials' from $80 to $300 when abroad. He also outlined new medal rewards and plans for sports academies.
President William Ruto made the announcement at State House in Nairobi during the homecoming ceremony for Sebastian Sawe, who set a world record as the first man to officially run a marathon under two hours. “Daily allowances for athletes have been increased from $60 to $200, and for officials from $80 to $300 when representing the country abroad,” stated President Ruto.
In Kenyan shillings, this equates to a rise from Ksh6,460 to Ksh25,840 for athletes and from Ksh10,336 to Ksh38,760 for sports officials. Athletics medal rewards now stand at Ksh3 million for gold, Ksh2 million for silver, and Ksh1 million for bronze. For the Commonwealth Games, gold winners receive Ksh2.5 million, silver Ksh1.5 million, and bronze Ksh1 million.
Ruto announced the establishment of Constituency Sports Academies to identify and nurture grassroots talent. “The aim is to give young people access to quality training, modern facilities, and clear pathways into professional sport,” he said. He also plans to advance the Sports Bill 2026, creating a National Sports Regulatory Authority.
Sawe became the first recipient of these new awards, receiving two cheques worth Ksh5 million and Ksh3 million. The president handed him a customised Kenyan number plate reading 1:59:30 to honour his historic record.
