-
According to Talam, the champions will fly for the grand reception.
-
The team which represented Kenya in the Paris 2024 Olympics landed in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday and was received by Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Image: MINISTRY OF SPORTS/X
Team Kenya Olympic champions are set to fly to Eldoret State Lodge using President William Ruto's aircraft.
According to State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam, the champions will fly for the grand reception.
"Athletes in Nairobi will fly to Eldoret in the president’s aircraft. Ceremonial drive to State Lodge for breakfast and grand entry to Sports Club for the inauguration of the City of Champions," Talam said.
Civilians can only fly with the presidential jet under special circumstances including official invitations where civilians invited by the President for official functions or state visits may be allowed to travel on the presidential jet.
Another special group is the government delegations including high-ranking government officials or those involved in important state businesses.
Additionally, in emergencies, civilians might be flown on the presidential jet if their presence is deemed crucial for state matters or humanitarian reasons.
The above arrangements are however subject to strict protocols and approvals from relevant government officials.
The team which represented Kenya in the Paris 2024 Olympics landed in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday and was received by Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
In the 2024 Olympics, the champions included team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali.
Others were 800m gold medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and 5000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi.
"As a country, we are proud that Team Kenya brings home 11 medals which include four gold medals, two silver medals and five bronze medals, placing us at the top of the African continent and position 17 globally," Murkomen said.
Besides the grand reception, the Champions are expected to receive cash prizes.
Chebet, who made history as the first Kenyan woman to strike a double in the quadrennial global showpiece after storming to the 5000m and 10000m titles, is set to pocket a whopping Sh13 million from her exploits in the French capital.
This follows an unprecedented move by the World Athletics to set aside Sh6.5 million for gold medal winners in the field and track events.
World Athletics announced on April 10 that it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games.
Kipyegon will receive Sh11 million, Wanyonyi will receive Sh8.5 million and Kwemboi hit a Sh2 million jackpot.
The gallant athletes who wrapped up third in their respective disciplines will earn one million shillings each.
They include Mary Moraa (800m), Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase), Abraham (3000m steeplechase), Hellen Obiri (marathon) and Benson Kipruto (marathon).
Meanwhile, the government confirmed it will award each gold medalist Sh3 million.