Uhuru orders ministry to clear athletes’ dues
President Uhuru Kenyatta with some of the 2015 World Championships gold medallists after hosting them for breakfast at State House, Nairobi, on October 3, 2015. PHOTO | PSCU |
What you need to know:
- Kemboi, who is the team captain, said he is preparing for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.
Medallists from the 2013 Moscow and 2015 Beijing World Championships have a reason to smile after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the Sports Ministry to pay them Sh60 million outstanding allowances and cash rewards.
President Kenyatta, who hosted the victorious Team Kenya from the Beijing Worlds and the World Youth Championships in Colombia for breakfast at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, said the athletes must be paid by Thursday next week.
Kenya won 16 medals: seven gold, six silver and three bronze from the 2015 Beijing Worlds where they made history by topping the medal standings for the first time in the history of the event while the 2013 Worlds team won 12 medals: five gold, four silver and three bronze to finish fourth overall.
The World Youth team won 13 medals: five gold, four silver and four bronze to finish second behind USA.
“I want the athletes and their officials to come here on Thursday next week and inform me whether their allowances have been paid,” the President said.
As a sign of appreciation to the triumphant athletes, President Kenyatta announced the Government’s cash prizes of Sh1 million for gold medallists, Sh500,000 for silver and Sh250,000 for bronze.
In addition, the President said the two teams will also take home Sh5 million each.
“All members of the teams played a role in bringing glory to the country and should be appreciated. For the medallists, your win is the win for the team, the country and all Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.
Among the gold medal winners was Javelin sensation Julius Yego, who made history by winning the country its first major field event at the World Championships with a world record throw of 92.72m.
Also present was Olympic and world 3000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi. He has won the steeplechase event in the World Championships four times since 2009.
Kemboi, who is the team captain, said he is preparing for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.
“Only then, can I consider retirement,’’ he said at the breakfast meeting.
