New motion calls for cash prizes, state recognition for Kenya’s world-class athletes
If adopted, the scheme would see athletes receive Sh6 million for setting a world record, Sh4 million for winning gold, Sh3 million for silver, and Sh2 million for bronze at international competitions.
A motion has been tabled in Parliament seeking to compel the government to reward top-performing athletes with up to Sh6 million and other state honours for their achievements in international competitions.
The proposal, introduced by Mwingi West MP Charles Ngusya, urges the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts to develop a standardised policy offering both financial and non-financial incentives to sportsmen and women who excel in globally recognised events.
“This House urges that the government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, develops a policy and standardised sports reward scheme for recognising the achievements made by sports persons in internationally recognised competitions,” Ngusya said.
If adopted, the scheme would see athletes receive Sh6 million for setting a world record, Sh4 million for winning gold, Sh3 million for silver, and Sh2 million for bronze at international competitions.
In addition to monetary rewards, Ngusya is calling on the government to grant elite athletes diplomatic passports, appoint them as goodwill ambassadors, and bestow national honours and privileges upon them.
He believes such recognition would encourage athletes to reach their full potential and strengthen national pride and unity.
“The prospect of receiving State recognition, financial grants, and other perks will inspire sportsmen to push their limits in attaining their full potential, as well as foster a collective sense of pride in sporting achievements,” he said.
Ngusya also proposes the establishment of a post-retirement social protection framework for athletes, which would include medical cover, contributory insurance, and savings schemes for those retiring due to age or injury.
Post-retirement protection scheme
“Establishing medical cover and a post-retirement social protection scheme, including contributory insurance and savings schemes, is crucial to support sports persons who retire from active sporting due to injuries or age,” he said.
He pointed out that the motion aligns with Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2005, which envisioned motivating athletes through cash prizes, state honours, ambassadorial roles, and welfare-based initiatives.
Ngusya also cited the Sector Plan for Sports, Culture and Arts (2018)—part of the Third Medium Term Plan (2018–2022) under Kenya’s Vision 2030—as a key policy framework aimed at positioning Kenya as a leading global sporting nation.
“Under Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Vision aims at capitalising on the country’s international reputation as a world-class sports powerhouse whose sportsmen and women have won international accolades and recognition, especially for their prowess in athletics,” Ngusya said.
Despite Kenya’s global success in sports, he expressed concern that many athletes suffer from neglect—especially after retirement—due to inadequate psychosocial support and social protection.
“Concerned that, despite bringing honour and national pride to the country, most sportsmen and women face a myriad of challenges such as lack of psychosocial support and social protection, hence pushing many to alarming levels of mental health challenges during their careers and even after retirement,” he added.
Ngusya concluded that structured rewards and long-term support would not only honour Kenya’s sports heroes but also inspire the next generation to pursue excellence on the world stage.
Top Stories Today
Reader Comments
Trending
