The government has announced that all medalists in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, will be flown in business class as a reward for their achievements.
This new development is following public uproar over Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir’s travel experience.
On Tuesday, September 16, a video circulated online showing Jepchirchir flying economy class despite winning gold in the women’s marathon in Tokyo.
The clip quickly went viral, sparking heated debate and frustration among Kenyans.
Many argued that the gold medalist deserved better treatment, with some suggesting an upgrade would have been a fitting way to recognize her triumph.
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"Well, an upgrade would be a better way to honor a World Champion,” one Farhiya Abass wrote on X.
In response, the Secretary of Administration for Sports, Evans Achoki, confirmed that changes had been made to ensure athletes are accorded better treatment.
"The travel arrangements have been done, and we intend to fly all the medalists in business class so that they can be rewarded for their good performance. We believe this will motivate them to work harder," he stated.
With a few more days to go, Kenya has so far won four gold medals, one silver and two bronze, placing the country second on the medal standings.
Beatrice Chebet delivered Kenya’s first gold in Tokyo with a thrilling victory in the women’s 10,000 metres.
Jepchirchir then stormed to another gold in the women’s marathon before Faith Kipyegon clinched her fourth world title in the women’s 1500 metres.
On Wednesday, September 17, Faith Cherotich added another highlight by taking gold in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase.
At the same time, Dorcus Ewoi ensured Kenya had a presence on the silver podium with a second-place finish in the women’s 1500 metres.
In the bronze category, Edmund Serem fought hard to secure third place in the men’s 3000 metres steeplechase, while Reynold Cheruiyot won bronze in the men’s 1500 metres.
The medalists are expected to pocket millions following their stellar performances at the championships.
In July, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced a new reward structure for medal winners at major global events.
Under the new scheme, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists will now receive Ksh3 million, quadruple the previous reward of Ksh750,000.
Silver medalists will take home Ksh2 million, up from Ksh500,000, while bronze medalists will earn Ksh1 million, compared to the previous Ksh350,000.
For the Commonwealth Games, gold medal winners will now be awarded Ksh2.5 million, a significant increase from Ksh500,000.
Silver medalists will receive Ksh1.5 million, up from Ksh300,000, and bronze medalists will get Ksh1 million, a fivefold rise from the earlier Ksh200,000.
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