President William Ruto has confirmed that the government disbursed Kes.27 million in cash rewards to Kenyan athletes who won medals at the recent World Athletics Championships.

Gold medalists received Kes.3 million each, silver medalists Kes.2 million, and bronze medalists Kes.1 million, in line with the directive the Head of State gave before the team left for the competition.

“I pledged that I would consider the issues you addressed with me, and among the immediate actions was to ensure your foreign allowances were enhanced and fully paid as you travelled,” he said.

“Additionally, in recognition of your heroic efforts, a total of KSh27 million has already been disbursed to the medalists.”

Beyond cash rewards, the President announced that the athletes will benefit from the Affordable Housing Programme, just as Harambee Stars did after the CHAN tournament.

“The government is going to pay for half of a house of your choice. You choose the house, we pay for you half, you pay the other half,” he said.

Ruto explained that athletes who cannot raise their share will still be able to own homes through a soft loan under the Affordable Housing Fund, paying as little as Ksh5,000 per month—or about Ksh2,500 since the state covers half the cost.

He dismissed claims that the government is handing out affordable housing units for free.

“I know there are some who, because of ignorance, believe that we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is going to be given to anybody without being paid for,” he said, stressing that the programme follows strict funding rules.

The President praised the athletes as Kenya’s ambassadors, saying their victories ignite national pride and highlight the value of investing in sports and talent development.