Kenyan athletes representing the country on the international stage may soon be entitled to multimillion-shilling rewards, if a new legislative proposal is passed by Parliament.
The Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, aims to introduce performance-based financial incentives for all Kenyan sportspersons competing internationally.
The proposal follows President William Ruto’s recent cash rewards to the Harambee Stars during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which sparked national debate on equitable recognition for athletes across all sports.
The Bill proposes the addition of Section 55A to the Sports Act, mandating that the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, in consultation with the Sports Fund, pay sh1 million to any Kenyan athlete or team per goal, point, or equivalent unit scored during international competitions regardless of whether the team or individual wins.
An additional Ksh1 million would be awarded for each match or event won.
Eligible competitions are defined as those sanctioned by international sports federations or governing bodies where Kenya is officially represented.
All payments would be drawn from the Sports Fund and disbursed within 30 days of the conclusion of the event.
The Bill also gives the Cabinet Secretary powers with parliamentary oversight to develop regulations guiding implementation.
These would address performance verification, qualifying sports, payment systems, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
MP Koech said the proposal seeks to formalize the government’s support for athletes and create a structured, transparent reward system, aligning Kenya with global best practices in athlete recognition.
He pointed to President Ruto’s performance incentives during CHAN 2024 as proof of their motivational power.
“This amendment aims to institutionalize incentives across all disciplines, ensuring fairness, consistency, and a strong message that Kenya values the achievements of its athletes,” said Koech.
During CHAN 2024, President Ruto promised sh1 million per win and sh2.5 million per player for a victory against Zambia in the final group match scheduled for August 17.
He also pledged a two-bedroom Affordable Housing unit for each player if the team reached the quarter-finals. Earlier, he had offered a sh60 million reward for reaching the same stage.
So far, each player has earned sh2.5 million from the ongoing campaign, with analysts crediting the financial incentives as a key factor in Kenya’s surprise success in the tournament.
Should the national team win the tournament, Ruto has pledged a sh600 million bonus, with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko promising to add sh400 million, pushing the total potential reward to an unprecedented sh1 billion.
If passed, the Sports (Amendment) Bill could usher in a new era of state-backed motivation for Kenyan athletes and significantly boost the country’s sporting ambitions on the global stage.
Kenya In Talks With UAE’s Etihad Rail To Operate SGR Freight Services
