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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday August 16, received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at State House.
During the meeting, President Kenyatta announced cash rewards of Sh1 million, Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 for Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.
The Head of State further announced a uniform token of Sh 200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, participating in delayed Summer Games.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday August 16, received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at State House
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The president thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart, and challenged the sporting fraternity to ensure the country continues to excel on the global stage.
This gesture comes days after Kenyans on Twitter complained that the government seemed to have neglected the African champs upon their return.
Many Kenyans compared their reception to that of Uganda's athletes who were received in a convoy of cars sent by President Yoweri Museveni.
He also announced that all the medalists would get a new car plus a monthly salary and a promotion for those in the security forces.
President Kenyatta's reward is a standard token given to Kenya's medalists but topped it with a Sh200,000 bonus for all participants.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday August 16, received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at State House
The country had fielded a total of 85 participants; 37 men and 48 women.
This means that President Kenyatta has planned a Sh17 million kitty for the reward of the Kenyan champs.
Gold medalists
Faith Kipyegon - Women’s 1500m
Peres Jepchirchir - Women’s marathon
Silver medalists
Hellen Obiri - Women’s 5000m
Ferguson Rotich - Men’s 800m
Brigid Kosgei - Women’s marathon
Timothy Cheruiyot - Men’s 1500m
Bronze medalists
Benjamin Kigen - Men’s 3000m steeplechase
Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi - Women’s 3000m steeplechase
Kenya’s marathon legend Catherine Ndereba told Pulse Live that while the International Olympics Committee is not focused on rewarding athletes with monetary tokens, the title goes a long way into shaping an athletes career.
“When an athlete wins an Olympics medal, they are now able to negotiate appearance fees at other events such as the world championships. One can be paid to participate in the other competitive events,” Ndereba said.
For instance, when the Boston Marathon calls Brigid Kosgei to participate in the next event, they will be talking to the current Olympics gold medalist, a title she can use to negotiate a fee. The appearance fee is separate from the prize money.
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Catherine Ndereba. She defied odds to become the best. She made Kenya proud by winning several medals.
Ndereba revealed that she was paid $60,000 (approx Sh6 million) and $30,000 (approx Sh3 million) for winning gold and silver medals in past world championships.
“The Tokyo Olympics was Kenya’s 2nd best performance and I am very proud of the whole team,” she praised.
Despite the controversies, Kenya left Rio 2016 Olympics with 13 medals (6 golds, 6 silver, and 1 bronze), marking its most successful outcome in Olympic history based on the medal position.