The dignified handling of world marathon record holder, the late Kelvin Kiptum, by the authorities after his death two weeks ago is heartening.
Not only did the government act quickly to build the 2:00:35 athlete a respectable home in a record seven days but it also proceeded to give him a respectable state funeral.
Kiptum made the country proud by breaking the world record time at the Chicago Marathon last year, clocking two hours and 35 seconds to surpass the previous, 2:01:09, by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic champion.
It was his third sub-2:02:00 feat, having previously stormed the Valencia and London marathons in course record times of 2:01:53 and 2:01:25 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
However, the death of the marathon icon has once again highlighted the difficulties faced by Kenyan runners as they strive to bring honour to the country.
It has been established that the majority of them languish in abject poverty before eventually passing away in utter misery. This trend must stop!
Kenya's world-beating talents are in greater need of help than ever before, which is why we must commend the government's efforts in addressing their plight.
In recent years, the Kenyan sporting community has suffered significant losses, including Olympic marathon winner Samuel Wanjiru, Agnes Tirop, who was found killed in her house, Nicholas Bett, who died in a car accident, and David Lelei. Kiptum's death in a car accident adds to the litany of grievances.
In 2022, the country's sports community went into sorrow at the death of Kenya's first Olympic Games medalist, Wilson Kiprugut.
The former sprinter and middle-distance runner passed away, aged 84, in Kericho County through illness.
Chumo made history as the first African to win an Olympic medal after clinching a bronze in the 800m at the 1964 Tokyo Summer Games.
Legendary featherweight boxer Philip Waruinge also exited the stage a poor soul, aged 77, after putting Kenya on the world map during his iconic reign in the ring.
Waruinge stormed to two gold medals at the 1966 and 1970 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
In both cases, the athletes seemed to endure financial hardships in their twilight years despite the glory they brought to the nation.
President William Ruto, speaking on Friday during Kiptum's burial at Chepkorio Showground, Elgeyo Marakwet County, pledged a social welfare program for retired athletes.
It is also reassuring to hear Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Muge say she has prepared a legislative proposal to amend the Heroes Act of 2014.
The gesture to celebrate Kenya's top sporting talents is a welcome respite. Despite their significant achievements, they have felt overlooked for decades.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba had earlier pledged to establish a sustainable framework for the welfare of our sportspeople and artists in retirement and adversity.
Athletics Kenya Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau is on record calling on Kenyan athletes to register for a pension scheme.
While emphasising AK's aim to safeguard retired sportsmen from financial troubles caused by illness and old age, Kamau provided examples of athletes who had difficulties after retirement.
Indeed, local sports authorities should devise ways to honour athletes who have made the country proud.
