Kenya’s sterling performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo dominated debate in the National Assembly, with Members of Parliament across the political divide hailing the athletes for once again flying the country’s flag high on the global stage.
The legislators, who took turns to congratulate Team Kenya, praised the athletes for clinching 11 medals, one of the nation’s best tallies in the competition’s history.
They lauded the team for reaffirming Kenya’s status as Africa’s athletics powerhouse and a global sporting giant.
Led by Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, the MPs described the achievement as a moment of immense national pride, noting that Kenya has consistently affirmed its place as the “absolute kingdom of athletics.”
Muge urged the government to scale up support for athletes, not only through the construction of modern stadiums but also by improving welfare and recognition.
“This is our third-best performance since the inauguration of the championships. Previously, we secured 18 medals, then 15, and today we have 11,” she said, adding that the athletes “have not been appreciated enough despite the glory they continue to bring the country.”
She praised the team for lifting Kenya’s flag high once again, stressing that the country remains the athletics powerhouse of Africa. “It is such a proud moment to be African, and an even greater moment to be Kenyan. Every day, our athletes prove that Kenya is the true home of champions.”
Muge further commended the athletes for their growing ability to express themselves on the global stage.
“When you listened to Perez, Wanyonyi, or Faith Kipyegon speaking, you felt proud as a Kenyan. Our athletes are not only winning medals but also representing us with dignity,” she said.
She acknowledged recent government investments in sports infrastructure, noting that the construction of standard stadiums under the Kenya Kwanza administration offered hope for the nurturing of future talent.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie and Homa Bay County MP Joyce Osugo both emphasized athletics as a unifying force, stressing that sporting victories transcend ethnic and regional boundaries.
They cited past heroes from different parts of the country from Rose Tata Muya and John Ngugi to current stars like Ferdinand Omanyala as proof that athletics binds Kenyans together.
“It is important to recognize that sports is a truly national event—it never matters who wears the gold medal. In the past, athletes from every community have brought glory to Kenya. When we see a runner from Migori County winning gold and breaking records, it unites the country and reminds us of the glory days when medals could come from anywhere,’ said Kiarie.
He added: “From the Eastern region we had Rose Tata Muya, from Central we had John Ngugi and Samuel Wanjiru, and today we celebrate stars like Ferdinand Omanyala and Maureen Odira from Nyanza.”
Several MPs, including Igembe Central’s Daniel Karitho and Funyula’s Dr. Wilberforce Oundo, expressed concern over what they termed a “decline” in male athletes’ performance compared to their female counterparts.
They urged athletics authorities to pay closer attention to training and support structures for men.
“The neglect of the boy child is now reflected in sports. As we invest in women’s athletics, let us also ensure male athletes are equally supported,” Dr. Oundo argued.
Lawmakers also pressed for structured funding for sports.
Ruiru MP Simon Kangara questioned whether the national budget adequately provides for athletes’ training, welfare, and international participation.
He challenged Parliament to consider setting aside dedicated funds for sports development and even proposed that Parliament itself establish facilities for fitness and recreation.
“Motivated athletes deliver results. We must ensure consistent funding so that Kenya maintains excellence at every competition,” he said.
On her part, Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu MP Gladys Boss used her contribution to highlight Kenya’s improved sporting infrastructure, pointing to newly accredited international stadiums.
She said this now positions the country to bid for future world championships, urging the Ministry of Sports to focus on nurturing athletes before they make headlines.
“Many of our athletes live in dilapidated training camps with minimal support. It is time we invested in proper structures to groom talent from the grassroots,” Boss said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan noted that sports contributes not only to national pride but also to tourism, diplomacy, and job creation.
He called for a comprehensive government strategy to transform sports into a sustainable economic pillar.
“Sports is more than medals, it builds Kenya’s international brand and opens up opportunities for our youth. Let us continue to provide an enabling environment for these champions,” he said.
Other legislators, including Masinga MP Joshua Mbithi, Taita Taveta’s Lydia Haika, Tigania West’s Dr. John Mutunga, and Busia’s Catherine Omanyo, echoed similar sentiments, commending the government for investing in stadiums and sports academies.
They urged that every county be involved in talent development to ensure a steady pipeline of future champions.
