Big payday awaits Kenyan medalists at Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Mvurya confirms

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya /FILE

Kenyan athletes eyeing podium finishes at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, are set for a windfall after Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya unveiled a significantly enhanced reward scheme for medal winners.

‎Speaking Tuesday morning at Talanta Plaza, Mvurya announced that the Ministry of Sports has reviewed its incentive structure for major global competitions (including the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Paralympics) with new rates effective from April. ‎"Part of the review of the sports policy is to enhance the benefit package for our athletes."

‎"We have also reviewed both the Olympics and Paralympics package as well as the Commonwealth Games package, effective April," Mvurya said. 

Under the new structure, Commonwealth Games gold medallists will now receive Sh2.5 million, up from Sh500,000 while silver medallists will pocket Sh1.5 million, up from Sh350,000. 

‎Bronze medallists will walk away with Sh1 million, a five-fold increase from the previous Sh200,000. ‎"These new incentives have been officially approved by SRC (Salaries and Remuneration Commission."

‎‎Kenya will be looking to better its performance from the 2022 Birmingham Games, where the country bagged 13 medals (six gold, five silver, and two bronze) to finish 13th on the medal table. ‎Standout performances came from sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala (100m), Mary Moraa (800m), Beatrice Chebet (5,000m), Jackline Chepkoech and Abraham Kibiwot (3,000m steeplechase), and Wycliffe Kinyamal (800m), all of whom struck gold. Olympic medallists are also set to benefit from the new deal. 

‎Gold now carries a Sh3 million prize, up from Sh750,000, silver will earn Sh2 million, up from Sh500,000 while bronze will now attract Sh1 million, up from Sh350,000. ‎In a major boost for past heroes, Mvurya revealed that Sh70 million has been set aside to compensate medal-winning athletes who never received their dues. 

Gold

‎"During the implementation of the compensation, there is a process that the athletes go through, including anti-doping. Once that is complete, then the compensation is given."

‎"In the next few weeks, we will also be awarding a Sh70 million package to athletes who have won before and have not been awarded. We will invite them soon to award them their dues," he added. ‎Mvurya also praised the role of Kenyan athletes in shaping the nation’s identity on the global stage.

‎‎"Our athletes' triumphs are a source of immense pride not only for our athletics fraternity but for every Kenyan who believes in the power of talent and the promise of a better tomorrow."

‎Mvurya noted that the government is committed to nurturing the country's athletes. ‎"As a government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the athletics legacy and also developing talents," he added. ‎With the World Athletics Championships set for September in Tokyo, the Sports CS called on Kenyans to throw their full support behind Team Kenya.

‎"As you now shift focus to the World Championships, know that you carry the hopes of over 50 million Kenyans. We are behind you, cheering, praying and walking with you all the way," Mvurya added. ‎He also lauded AK for their continued partnership with the ministry.

‎‎"I want to thank AK for continuing to make us proud and working hand in hand with the ministry. We will continue to work with you even in situations of a tight fiscal space. We will do our best to try and support you," he noted.

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