Kenyan athletes on Thursday were all smiles after the government finally fulfilled its promise by delivering Sh181 million to compensate the Kenyan athletes that competed in international level since 2010.
The event took place at State House, Nairobi where President Uhuru Kenyatta oversaw the handing over of the money to over 3000 athletes.
The athletes competed in over 30 competitions including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the World Under 18 and Under 20 junior competitions. Uhuru gave an extra Sh2 million for appreciation.
The President directed the Sports Ministry to work out the modalities of ensuring athletes are paid their allowances within three months to avoid such delays.
He further directed the ministry to make sure the athletes are given all the necessary assistance before they go out to represent the country.
“Moving forward, I am directing the Ministry to formulate a realistic compensation policy for all athletes and launch it within 3 months,” said President Kenyatta.
This came a day after Uhuru hosted the national football team that will participate in the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) before they boarded for a friendly match in France.
The team was handed 244 million on March by the Ministry to aid in their preparation for the continent's major competition.