Ruto pledges 50% housing support for Tokyo medallists after Ksh27M cash prize
President William Ruto has announced that the government will fund half the cost of affordable houses for Kenya’s seven Tokyo Olympics medallists, in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
The athletes include Gold medal winners, including Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Peres Jepchirchir, Lilian Odira, and Faith Cherotich, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Dorcus Ewoi, and steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem.
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Speaking during a ceremony honouring the athletes at the State House on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Ruto revealed that the government will fund the houses that the athletes will choose.
“ I want to confirm that just like we did for the CHAN players, the seven medalists will also benefit. The Government of Kenya is going to pay for half of the house of your choice. You choose the house, we pay half, you pay the other half,” Ruto said.
The President clarified that the affordable housing programme does not involve giving out free houses, but operates under a structured fund that requires accountability.
“Let me set the record straight: I know there are some who, because of ignorance, believe that we are dishing out affordable houses. There is no affordable house that is being given to anybody without being paid for,” he said.
“When we say that we are going to make affordable houses available to anybody, including our athletes here, it means that the government is going to pay. Because affordable housing is under a fund that must adhere strictly to the rules that govern affordable housing in the nation. Every house will be paid for either by individuals or by the state,” he added.
Furthermore, he disclosed that a total of Ksh27 million has already been disbursed as cash rewards to the medal winners: Ksh3 million for each gold medallist, Ksh2 million for each silver medallist, and Ksh1 million for each bronze medallist.
“In recognition of your heroic efforts, a total of Ksh27 million has already been disbursed to the medalists. Three million for each gold medalist, 2 million for each silver, and one million for each bronze medalist. You also ask me to consider the matter of affordable housing for medallists, as extended to Harambee Stars after the CHAN,” he added.
