The government has unveiled an enhanced reward scheme for Team Kenya athletes competing at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland, with gold medallists set to receive Sh2.5 million for every gold medal won.
Making the announcement during the official flag-off ceremony for the team on July 21, 2026, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said the initiative marks a five-fold increase from the Sh500,000 awarded at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Team captain Julius Yego welcomed the improved reward scheme, describing it as a positive step while noting that athletes were still awaiting clarity on allowances.
"The reward scheme is very good, and maybe the only thing we still need to look into is the allowances, because we do not know the exact rates as they vary for every competition. But I welcome the reward scheme for these Commonwealth Games; it is really good," said Yego.
Team assistant captain Zeddy Cherotich, an African Judo bronze medallist and Kenya’s national record holder in the heavyweight category, also welcomed the move.
"I’m really excited because that was the first medal I got since I joined Judo, and going forward, I am ready for the competition and targeting another medal," she said.
According to PS Mwangi, the gold medal reward of Sh2.5 million has already been approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Silver medallists will now receive Sh1.5 million, up from Sh300,000 awarded at the previous Games, while bronze medallists will earn Sh1 million.
A total of 94 Kenyan athletes across 12 sporting disciplines will represent the country at the Glasgow Games. However, questions remain on whether the new incentives will be enough to motivate Team Kenya to deliver a strong medal performance.