The University of Eldoret (UoE) has honoured Celebrated Kenyan Athlete Faith Kipyegon for her achievements on the track.
The Two-time 1,500 meters Olympic champion Kipyegon, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University during it's graduation Ceremony.
Faith Kipyegon was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Education during the university of Eldoret's 42nd graduation ceremony on Thursday, November 21.
UoE Vice Chancellor Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot uplauded Kipyegon for her efforts to support the growth of education in the country.
In October, UOE announced plans to award an Honorary Degree to Kipyegon.
“Kipyegon is an accomplished middle- and long-distance runner and the reigning 1,500m and mile world record holder. Her most notable feat is becoming the first athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1,500m women’s race,” the University said in a notice previously issued.
The university explained that the move was aimed at recognizing the athlete who had won the hearts of many across the globe through her sterling performances on the track.
In December 2023, Eliud Kipchoge was awarded an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) during its 41st graduation ceremony.
The honor recognized his contributions to society, particularly through philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, alongside his achievements in athletics.
Kipchoge expressed gratitude for this recognition, viewing it as a motivation to continue positively impacting both Kenya and the global community.
“I am proud and humbled to receive this recogntion for what I consider to be my small efforts in advancing humanity and societal progress through the work of the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation. Receiving this award is a personal honor and ignites the desire to further elevate our commitment to aid our education system and environmental causes both at home in Kenya as abroad.
“I thank the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology senate and council for bestowing me with this recognition. Let us all contribute to a better world, promote the importance of good education, and do good for the environment,” he said.
In related news, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled a Taskforce to review the Sports Act, 2013, aiming to address longstanding issues and modernize the framework governing Kenya’s sports sector.
The team, tasked with delivering its recommendations within six months, will develop a robust legislative framework to promote transparency, align with the Constitution, and adapt to the evolving sports landscape.
Murkomen highlighted that the sports sector has suffered from gaps in laws and policies, enabling corruption, favoritism, and mismanagement by sports federations.
The Taskforce will outline government roles in promoting sports, regulating academies, and managing stadia. It will also propose a restructuring of key agencies to clearly separate policy development from operational functions.
“Through nationwide consultations, the team will identify priorities and deliver a framework to guide reforms,” said Murkomen.
The reforms, alongside ongoing infrastructure upgrades and governance improvements, aim to establish a transparent, inclusive, and thriving sports ecosystem that positions Kenya as a global leader in the industry.
Murkomen has urged the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to hold off on a proposed private member’s bill amending the Sports Act. He advocated for a broader set of revisions to address structural challenges and align the sector with Kenya’s devolved governance system under the 2010 Constitution.
