Team Kenya received a major morale boost on Monday ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the Government announced enhanced cash rewards for medal winners and reaffirmed its commitment to improving athletes' welfare and sports infrastructure.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi announced that gold medalists will earn KES 2.5 million, silver medalists KES 1.5 million and bronze medalists KES 1 million following a substantial review of the government's reward scheme.
The revised incentives also extend to team events, with each member of a gold medal-winning team set to receive KES 525,000. Previously, team gold medalists received KES 75,000 each, while silver medalists did not receive any prize money.
Mwangi, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, said the Government was determined to ensure athletes receive better support before and after international competitions.
"It gives me great pleasure and honour to officially flag off Team Kenya to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Today we are not merely sending a delegation to an international competition. We are entrusting 158 exceptional Kenyans with the honour of carrying our national identity, aspirations and the resilient spirit of our country onto one of the world's largest sporting stages," said Mwangi.
He congratulated every athlete for earning selection through years of sacrifice and perseverance.
"The selection to Team Kenya is never accidental. It is earned through years of sacrifice, countless hours of training, resilience in the face of setbacks and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. You have earned your place. Now go and show the world why Kenya remains one of Africa's greatest sporting nations."
Mwangi said he had closely monitored Team Kenya's preparations and was impressed by the professionalism demonstrated during the residential training camp.
"Our coaches, medical personnel, sports scientists and administrators have spared no effort in ensuring Team Kenya arrives in Glasgow physically, medically and tactically prepared."
He commended the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), sports federations, sponsors and the national steering committee for working together to create an environment where athletes can excel.
The PS reminded the athletes of Kenya's proud Commonwealth Games history, noting that since making its debut in 1954, the country has won 250 medals and established itself among the competition's most successful nations.
"Generations before you laid the foundation of excellence. You are now writing the next chapter. We do not measure your success only by medals, but also by the courage, dignity, discipline and respect you demonstrate."
Mwangi also outlined ongoing government investment in sports infrastructure under President William Ruto's administration, saying new and refurbished stadiums are being built to international standards.
He revealed that international experts had inspected facilities such as Nyayo National Stadium to ensure the running track met global specifications before the tartan surface was installed.
"We want Kenyan athletes to train on facilities that meet the same standards they will compete on internationally," he explained.
He added that the Government also wants sports facilities to become self-sustaining through gyms, clinics, conference halls and commercial facilities.
Turning to athletes' welfare, Mwangi assured Team Kenya that payment of allowances had improved significantly following reforms implemented over the past year.
He then announced the revised medal bonuses.
"Previously, a gold medalist received KES 500,000. That has now been reviewed five times. Any gold medalist will now receive KES 2.5 million."
"Silver medalists previously earned KES 300,000. Through the efforts of President William Ruto, this has been increased to KES 1.5 million."
"Bronze medalists who previously earned KES 400,000 will now receive KES 1 million."
"For team sports, each gold medalist who previously received KES 75,000 will now receive KES 525,000 per person."
Mwangi noted that the enhanced package reflects the Government's recognition that sport has become a powerful driver of national unity, economic growth and youth empowerment.
"Sport is not merely recreation. Sport is a cradle of national unity, justice and an economic frontier through which young people transform their lives and fly Kenya's flag across the globe."
He further assured athletes that only officials with clearly defined responsibilities had travelled with the delegation, saying the Government wanted to eliminate unnecessary officials and ensure taxpayers received value for money.
"As you walk into the stadium in Glasgow, remember you do not walk alone. You carry the hopes of every Kenyan child dreaming of becoming a champion. Compete with courage, conviction and for Kenya."
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) First Vice President Barnaba Korir challenged the athletes to uphold Kenya's rich sporting tradition.
"I am proud to stand before you as we officially flag off Team Kenya. This occasion marks not only the beginning of our campaign but the continuation of Kenya's proud sporting legacy."
Korir reminded the athletes they were more than competitors.
"You are not just athletes. You are global competitors and ambassadors of our nation. Every time you step onto the track, into the ring, onto the court or field of play, you carry the hopes and aspirations of our country."
He urged Team Kenya to pursue excellence with humility and professionalism.
"Excellence is not measured only by medals, but by courage, sportsmanship and character."
Korir thanked coaches, team managers, medical staff, technical officials and athletes' families for supporting the delegation throughout the preparation period.
"Today I urge every member of the delegation to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, unity and respect. Let the Kenyan flag be associated not only with sporting excellence but also with honour and humility."
Commonwealth and world javelin champion Julius Yego, who will captain Team Kenya in Glasgow, observed the delegation was eager to compete.
"Everybody is excited. Everybody is ready. We are prepared to go and compete."
Yego thanked fellow athletes for electing him captain once again.
"I appreciate my fellow athletes for giving me this honour. I don't take it for granted."
Preparing for his fifth Commonwealth Games after making his debut in 2010, the veteran also acknowledged improvements in athletes' welfare, particularly the timely payment of allowances.
"I am happy that for the first time we are getting our allowances on time. That is a very big achievement and shows the support from Government."
However, he appealed for clarification over a USD50 shortfall in athletes' agreed allowances, saying competitors had expected USD250, but received USD200.
Yego hopes to conclude his Commonwealth Games career with another memorable performance after winning gold in Glasgow in 2014.
"I want to close my Commonwealth Games journey with something big. I won in the same city in 2014 and I would love to finish on a high because I don't think I will still be competing at the 2030 Games."
Africa judo bronze medalist Zeddy Cherotich, who is the vice-captain, thanked the Ministry of Sports and NOCK for organising one of Team Kenya's biggest training camps.
"It has allowed us to prepare together, learn from one another and build a true Team Kenya spirit."
The Paris 2024 Olympian urged Kenyans to rally behind the delegation.
"Please stand behind Team Kenya. Celebrate us, cheer us on and believe in us. Your encouragement keeps us going whether we are winning or facing challenges."
Kenya National Paralympic Committee president Ronald Milare declared that the country's Paralympians had prepared thoroughly.
"The Paralympic team will compete in para athletics, para cycling and 3x3 wheelchair basketball. The first batch is already in Glasgow under the GAPS programme while the second batch leaves tonight."
Milare challenged the para athletes to maintain Kenya's proud tradition.
"You are the best the country has to offer. Go out there knowing the entire nation is behind you."
Athletics Kenya Vice President and Competitions Director Paul Mutwii, speaking on behalf of Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, who is also Confederation of African Athletics president and World Athletics vice president, praised Government support.
"The team has trained very well and has been well taken care of. We are confident we shall return home with many medals."
The ceremony also highlighted the role of sport in promoting Kenya's image globally.
Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) official Maureen Mambo reminded athletes that they are ambassadors of the country's global brand.
"Our slogan is 'Make It Kenya'. Every time you compete abroad, your discipline, professionalism and success shape the image of Kenya and encourage tourism, trade and investment."
KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana echoed the message, describing athletes as some of Kenya's strongest brand ambassadors.
"Every time the Kenyan flag is raised and the national anthem is played, Kenya earns global respect. Sport has become one of our strongest national brands."
Mukabana noted that successful performances create opportunities that extend beyond sport by attracting tourists, investors, international partnerships and export markets.
She urged athletes to compete with confidence, integrity and pride.
"You represent our diversity, determination and shared pursuit of excellence. Every race, every match and every performance contributes to the story the world tells about Kenya."
Team Kenya will compete in athletics, judo, weightlifting, swimming, cycling, para cycling, boxing, basketball 3x3, bowling, wheelchair basketball and para athletics, with athletics contributing the largest contingent of 52 competitors.
As the delegation departs in batches for Scotland, the message from Government, sports administrators and athletes themselves was unanimous that Kenya is travelling to Glasgow not only to add to its rich Commonwealth Games history, but also to inspire a new generation while flying the national flag with pride.