- President William Ruto conferred upon world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the status of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart
- The Head of State indicated that Kipyegon's consistent performance was an inspiration to the youth
- Ruto also feted five other outstanding athletes, among them marathon world record holder Kevin Kiptum
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - President William Ruto has recognised world record holder Faith Kipyegon in his Jamhuri Day speech.
What Ruto said about Kipyegon's performance
On Tuesday, December 12, Ruto awarded Kipyegon with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) honour for her outstanding performance in athletics.
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The head of state said that Kipyegon's performance, where she broke two world records, was an inspiration to the youth.
"Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the status of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest honour our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence.
"She has earned her place at the very top from running bare feet to breaking two world records withing a year is the ultimate state of heroism," Ruto said.
The president also pledged to award five other athletes, including Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, Kelvin Kiptum, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Faith Cherotich.
The award comes less than 24 hours after Kipyegon was named the winner of the World Athlete of the Year award in France.
Kiptum was also named the winner of the road category.
Meanwhile, the government announced a new reward system for Kenyan athletes who break world records.
Speaking after hosting Kipyegon at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the government will be awarding KSh 5 million for any world record.
"Going forward, we have decided as the government of Kenya that any Kenyan who participates in a world event and breaks a world record, unlike in the past where there was no recognition, going forward, for any world record broken by a Kenyan, Kenya is going to award Ksh.5 million.
And we are going to start today with Faith she has broken two world records in 1500 meters in Italy and 5,000 meters in France. The government is going to award her a total of Ksh.5 million for one record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh.6 million for the other record," the president said.
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