President William Ruto hosted a grand reception for Kenya’s Olympic champions on Thursday August 15, 2024 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The medalists arrived in Eldoret from Nairobi on the President’s jet after landing in the country on Tuesday night.
Kenya stood out in Africa with a total of 11 medals—four gold, two silver, and five bronze—placing the country at the 17th position overall.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists shine
Gold medal winners included Beatrice Chebet in the 5,000m and 10,000m, Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the 800m, and Faith Kipyegon in the 1,500m race.
Silver medals were secured by Ronald Kwemoi (5,000m) and Faith Kipyegon (5,000m).
Bronze medals went to Mary Moraa (800m), Abraham Kibiwott (3,000m steeplechase), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Benson Kipruto (marathon), and Hellen Obiri (marathon).
Chebet made history as the third woman to win both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the same Olympics, while Kipyegon is the reigning world record holder in the 1,500m and was formerly the world record holder in the 5,000m.
At a grand reception in Eldoret, President William Ruto celebrated Kenya’s Olympic champions, awarding substantial cash prizes to them.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, at just 20 years, received Ksh3 million for becoming the youngest Olympic champion in the 800 meters. Ronald Kwemoi, who won silver in the 5,000 meters, was awarded Ksh2 million.
Other medalists, including Benson Kipruto, Abraham Kibiwott, Mary Moraa, Hellen Obiri, and Faith Cherotich, each received Ksh750,000.
In addition to these prizes, athletes are entitled to Ksh3,000 per day for local allowances while in camp and about Ksh38,400 daily when overseas.
This gesture from President Ruto not only recognized the athletes’ achievements but also countered criticism they faced.
His support for athletes is well-known, as he previously honored Faith Kipyegon with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H) and awarded her Ksh5 million and a Ksh6 million house in June 2023 for breaking world records.
Additionally, he has committed to awarding Ksh5 million to any athlete who sets a new world record.
