Kenya Runs Beyond Limits
President William Ruto has made it clear that he doesn’t want Kenya to be labeled as a Third World or developing country. He points to the nation’s success in athletics as a sign of its potential for greatness.
During a celebratory breakfast at State House in Nairobi on Thursday morning, Ruto addressed Kenya’s athletics team, who had just returned from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. He emphasized that it’s time to change how both the world and Kenyans view the country’s role on the global stage.
“We are not meant for the Third World. Kenya’s DNA is not for the Third World. We are in the Third World by mistake and default, and we must correct it,” the President said.
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s impressive showing in Tokyo to strengthen his argument.
Kenya secured an incredible second place overall among 198 countries, trailing only the United States, and brought home a total of 11 medals: seven gold, two silver, and two bronze.
“Out of 198 nations of the world, we were the second-best after the United States. That tells you the league we play in, the league of champions. That is where Kenya belongs,” he said.
During the event, Ruto shared some exciting news about a fantastic reward package for the medalists, celebrating their outstanding achievements. Each gold medal winner will take home Sh3 million, while silver medalists will receive Sh2 million, and bronze medalists will get Sh1 million.
Additionally, the government is stepping up to provide each gold medalist with an affordable housing unit. They’ll cover half of the cost, leaving the athlete to pay the remaining amount through the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Among the gold medal winners, six were women, showcasing the impressive rise of Kenyan women in the world of athletics.
The gold medalists featured Beatrice Chebet in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events, Faith Kipyegon in the 1,500m, Peres Jepchirchir in the women’s marathon, Lillian Odira in the 800m, Faith Cherotich in the 3,000m steeplechase, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the 800m.
On the silver side, Faith Kipyegon and Dorcas Ewoi both took home medals in the 1,500m, while Reynold Cheruiyot and Edmund Serem secured bronze in the 1,500m and men’s 3,000m steeplechase, respectively.
Ruto emphasized that Kenya’s sporting achievements should serve as a catalyst for a national change in mindset.
“It is clear that Kenya is not made for the average. We are not fashioned that way. Our DNA as a nation is for excellence,” he said.
The President’s comments come at a time when Kenya is striving to establish itself as a leader both regionally and globally, not just in sports but also in fields like digital innovation, clean energy, and economic transformation.
Despite recognizing the ongoing development challenges facing the country, Ruto emphasized that Kenya’s talent and potential showcase a nation that can achieve so much more.
“To those who still doubt that Kenya can stand among the most advanced countries, just look at our athletes. They have already shown the world who we are,” he added.
Kenya Runs Beyond Limit
