Marathon legend Patrick Makau calls for state pensions for retired athletes

Makau famously broke Haile Gebrselassie’s world marathon record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon, clocking 2:03:38, and holds major marathon titles in Berlin, Rotterdam and Fukuoka.

Speaking on the reality facing ex-international stars off the podium, Makau argued that the current government cash rewards, such as the Ksh 5 million payout for breaking world records or Ksh 3 million for winning gold, are insufficient to guarantee long-term stability.

“If you look at many of our athletes, especially those who have retired, they end up suffering because they lack what we call a pension.

“Many are not employed by the government, so when you retire, you face severe challenges trying to stabilize. What the government is doing currently is not enough,” said Makau.

The marathon legend pointed to neighbouring country Uganda as a practical benchmark for athlete welfare, noting that President Yoweri Museveni’s administration rewards top performers with government housing, security detail and sustained monthly stipends.

He also questioned the disparity in state recognition across sports, highlighting how national football teams like Harambee Stars frequently receive pledges for housing and medical insurance, while track and field athletes, who consistently market Kenya on the global stage, are left without structured safety nets.

To bridge this gap, the veteran distance runner called for a structured retirement fund specifically targeting non-salaried athletes who fall outside military or police payrolls.

Beyond pension schemes, Makau advocated for extended welfare benefits, including permanent housing allocations and comprehensive post-career medical cover to safeguard decorated national runners.

"If they can do something sustainable, like establishing a pension scheme so they can continue receiving money consistently, that will help them and their families in the future,” he noted.

Ultimately, Makau urged the Ministry of Sports to shift away from reactive, one-off celebration bonuses in favour of sustainable, long-term economic policies that protect athletes long after their competitive days are over.

“With Ksh 5 million, there is very little you can do to sustain yourself and your family in the long run. If the government can create a sustainable pension scheme, athletes will receive consistent support that protects them in the future.”