Kenya’s athletics team has earned global glory and millions of shillings following an impressive performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The team collected 11 medals, securing second place on the medal table behind the United States, while also reaping record financial rewards.
Their dominance not only elevated the country’s sporting profile but also translated into prize money from World Athletics and additional payouts from the Kenyan government. In total, the athletes are set to pocket Ksh 103 million for their efforts.
Prize money from World Athletics
According to the World Athletics prize structure, gold medallists earned USD 70,000 (Ksh 9 million) each, silver medallists took home USD 35,000 (Ksh 4.5 million), and bronze medallists received USD 22,000 (Ksh 2.8 million).
Kenya’s seven gold medals brought in USD 490,000 (Ksh 63.3 million), while two silvers added USD 70,000 (Ksh 9 million). Two bronze medals contributed another USD 44,000 (Ksh 5.6 million).
In total, Kenyan athletes earned USD 604,000 (Ksh 78 million) directly from the global athletics body.
Kenya’s medal breakdown
The medal hunt began with Beatrice Chebet, who powered to gold in the 10,000m, before Peres Jepchirchir added another gold in the women’s marathon.
Faith Cherotich triumphed in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, while Faith Kipyegon lived up to expectations with victory in the 1500m. Chebet later returned to win the 5000m final, joined by Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who stormed to gold in the 800m.
On the final day, Lillian Odira delivered Kenya’s seventh gold with a thrilling late surge.
For silvers, Kipyegon finished second in the 5000m final, while Dorcus Ewoi secured silver in the 1500m.
The bronze medals came from the men’s side, with Reynold Cheruiyot finishing third in the 1500m, and Edmund Serem taking bronze in the 3000m steeplechase.
Government rewards
On top of the World Athletics payouts, Kenyan athletes are also set to benefit from new government incentives announced by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya in August 2025.
Under the revised structure, gold medallists will receive Ksh 3 million, up from Ksh 750,000 previously. Silver medallists will earn Ksh 2 million, while bronze medallists will take home Ksh 1 million.
Applying the new formula, Kenya’s seven gold medals translate to Ksh 21 million, while the two silvers and two bronzes bring in Ksh 6 million. In total, the government will award athletes Ksh 27 million.
This raises the overall earnings from Tokyo to Ksh 103 million.
Heroes of Tokyo
Among the standout names, Faith Kipyegon added yet another global title to her glittering career, reinforcing her status as Kenya’s middle-distance queen. Beatrice Chebet emerged as a double champion, winning both the 5000m and 10,000m, making her one of the event’s biggest financial winners.
Meanwhile, the likes of Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Faith Cherotich, and Lillian Odira delivered breakthrough victories, signaling a new generation of Kenyan stars ready to carry the torch.
National pride and global impact
Kenya’s haul at the championships underscores its continued dominance in middle and long-distance running. The success not only elevated national pride but also demonstrated the country’s ability to compete against the world’s strongest athletic nations.
