Faith Kipyegon: Ksh.5 million cash prize and a brand new house for breaking two world records

Speaking at State House where he hosted the champion, President Ruto said that it is high time Kenya starts to recognise its well-performing athletes and fete them fittingly to continue to bolster high performances in international competitions.

The Head of State further noted that Kenya will henceforth reward any Kenyan athlete who will record a stellar performance in competitions and give Ksh.5 million to all those who will break any world record. 

"Going forward, we have decided as the government of Kenya that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and breaks a world record, unlike in the past where there was no recognition, going forward, for any world record broken by a Kenyan, Kenya is going to award Ksh.5 million," said Ruto.

"And we are going to start today with Faith she has broken two world records in 1500 meters in Italy and 5,000 meters in France. The government is going to award her a total of Ksh.5 million for one record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh.6 million for the other record."

The president further committed to working closely with relevant organisations to encourage upcoming athletes to continue flying the Kenyan flag high on international podiums.

"We already have the talent, the pool of talented resources in Kenya that can break any record and going forward we will work hand in hand with our athletes and also reward then appropriately," he said.

Kipyegon broke two World Records in a span of one week at the Diamond League in Florence, Italy and Paris, France. 

Kipyegon ran the 1500M in a time of 3:49.11 and the 5000M in 14:05.20.