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At an event at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday morning, President Ruto promised that he would personally reward all athletes who break records while competing for Kenya.
Kenya President William Ruto has rewarded middle-distance athlete Faith Kipyegon with a house and Sh5 million for her recent exploits in the Diamond League.
At an event at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday morning, President Ruto promised that he would personally reward all athletes who break records while competing for Kenya.
Kipyegon broke the 1500 meters record in Florence a week ago, clocking a sensational 3:49.11 and then broke the 5000 meters record in Paris seven days later, clocking 14:04.20, smashing Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey's previous record of 14:06.65.
She was awarded 5 million Kenyan shillings (about UGX 150 million) for breaking the first record and a house worth Sh6 million (about UGX 180 million, located at Park Road, Nairobi) for breaking the second record.
"Our athletes give us much more fame compared to anything else. I ask the immigration to consider offering the successful athletes diplomatic passports," the Head of State also noted.
Kipyegon promised to buy her father a car with the state gift, a promise she had made to him before going to the Diamond League.
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"I am so grateful to the President and government. I promised my dad I would buy her a car, and now I have the money. I thank Kenyans for all the support," she said.
Kipyegon wasn't the only athlete rewarded as 100 meters African champion Ferdinand Omanyala, who finished second and third in the Diamond League meets in Paris, and Rabat was also present at the event at State House.
Africa's fastest man was awarded Shs2 Million (about UGX 60 million) for his exploits.
Kenya is statistically the country with the best middle- and long-distance athletes.
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