Kenya united behind its Olympic stars

“We look forward to the playing of the Kenyan national anthem as many times as possible during the various events.”

“These events symbolise excellence in sport. We take great pride, as a nation, to compete in them,” Kibaki said. He also urged them to be confident and maintain high standards discipline since they are weapons of success.

President Kibaki, at the same time, called for the fast-tracking of the establishment of the national sports lottery saying will help to raise funds for various sports programmes in the country.

Sports minister Paul Otuoma disclosed that the government’s cash reward scheme will factor in the Olympics, Paralympics and World Championships.

During the 2008 Beijing Games, the government rewarded gold medallists with Sh750,000 each, silver medallists got Sh500,000 while bronze medal winners were rewarded with Sh250,000 each.

Mobile telephone provider Safaricom equalled government’s rewards. Otuoma said the those winning at the World Defeat Athletics Championship will also benefit.

Gold medal winners will pocket Sh600,000 while silver and bronze will pocket Sh300,000 and Sh200,000 respectively.