Kelvin Kiarie reveals partial payment, millions in government support still pending
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 24.05.26. | 14:38
He revealed that he has only received part of the millions reportedly pledged by the government following his recent success in Africa
Kenyan skating sensation Kevin Kiarie has opened up on the financial struggles behind his rise.
Kiarie has been widely celebrated for winning continental titles without funding from the government.
The government had, earlier on, pledged to help him after repeatedly explaining difficulties in shouldering the financial burden of honoring international assignments.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
However, it has emerged that he has only received part of the millions pledged by the government following his recent success in Africa.
Kiarie recently returned from Egypt with multiple medals after another impressive outing on the international stage.
He disclosed that only Ksh870,000 has so far reached him despite earlier discussions indicating he would receive Ksh 2.78 million in support and rewards.
The fast-rising skating star made the revelation while giving an emotional update on his journey, detailing how he has continued to rely heavily on contributions from Kenyans, friends, and family to keep his career alive.
According to Kiarie, a meeting held with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi after his return from Egypt had produced an agreement on how the rewards would be structured.
“During our discussion in that meeting, it was agreed that every gold medal would fetch me Ksh750,000 and every silver medal Ksh500,000,” Kiarie revealed.
“When you sum up the three gold medals plus the silver medal, we agreed that I would leave that office with Ksh2.78 million, contrary to what I got yesterday.”
Before attracting government attention, the skater had largely been funding his international assignments through public fundraising drives and personal sacrifices.
Kiarie explained that Kenyans first raised Ksh220,000 during his trip to Benin, funds that helped him remain in school while also financing his participation in Egypt.
After the Egypt competition, another Ksh135,000 was raised and used to settle part of his debts.
He further revealed that an additional Ksh200,000 collected during a live television appearance enabled him to clear more financial obligations while also setting aside some savings.
Ahead of his planned trip to China, supporters once again contributed Ksh148,000, taking the total amount raised publicly to Ksh703,000.
“I am proud of the journey we’ve been able to walk together as Kenyans. We have been a strong team in this journey,” he stated.
Kiarie also confirmed receiving Ksh870,000 from the Ministry as a cash award tied to his medal-winning exploits, although he noted that a detailed breakdown of the payment was expected on Monday.
“I would also like to acknowledge that yesterday evening, the ministry disbursed money said to be cash awards for the medals, Ksh 870,000," he said.
Despite the latest payment, the athlete says he is still waiting for another Ksh380,000 reimbursement linked to his Egypt trip.
According to him, the money was reportedly sent to the Kenya Skating Federation but has not yet reached him.
At the same time, Kiarie admitted he is currently battling visa-related complications ahead of his intended trip to China, although he remains optimistic the matter will be resolved.
“I have had some challenges with my visa to China, but I am still working on it and will keep you posted,” he added.