NAIROBI — Kenyan track stars Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have each been awarded Ksh 5 million by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports following their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
The two athletes were received Tuesday morning by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya at his Talanta Hela office in Nairobi, a day after their return from the United States.
Kipyegon set a new 1500m world record, clocking 3:48.68 to break her own previous record of 3:49.04 set in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year she has broken the 1500m world record.
Chebet shattered the 5000m world record with a winning time of 13:58.68, slicing over a second off Gudaf Tsegay’s previous mark of 14:00.21 from 2023. This is Chebet’s third career world record.
In his remarks, CS Mvurya praised both athletes for their discipline, consistency, and role in raising Kenya’s profile in global athletics.
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable athletes and the entire Kenyan team for their outstanding performances at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene,” Mvurya said.
The CS confirmed the monetary awards as a gesture of appreciation for the athletes’ exceptional achievements, adding that their success inspires a new generation of Kenyan runners.
Kipyegon and Chebet’s victories strengthen Kenya’s standing ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with both athletes now firm favorites in their respective events.
The Prefontaine Classic is part of the Diamond League circuit and often serves as a major benchmark in the athletics calendar. The pair’s victories reaffirm Kenya’s dominance in middle and long-distance running on the global stage.
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