The government has unveiled a new cash reward programme for junior athletes representing Kenya at major international competitions, marking a significant boost to youth sports development.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced the incentive on Thursday while flagging off Team Kenya ahead of the 21st World Athletics Under-20 Championships, which will be held in Eugene, Oregon, USA on August 5 and 6.
Under the new programme, athletes competing from the Oregon championships onwards will receive cash awards based on their performances. Gold medalists will earn KSh2 million, silver medalists KSh1.5 million, while bronze medal winners will receive KSh1 million.
Mvurya said the initiative is aimed at motivating young athletes to excel on the international stage while recognising their contribution to Kenya’s sporting success.
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Kenya will field a team of 23 athletes, comprising 12 boys and 11 girls, who have been undergoing intensive residential training at Kasarani since the beginning of July.
The team is scheduled to depart for the United States on August 1 and 2 ahead of the global championship.
Team Kenya will be seeking to improve on its performance at the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, where the country finished fifth overall winning seven medals- three goal, three silver and one bronze.
The new reward programme underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness in international athletics.
