Kenya's gold medallists Edmund Serem/HANDOUT
The Star
"We celebrate your outstanding achievements and thank you for flying the Kenyan flag high," Ruto said.
President William Ruto has congratulated Team Kenya for its strong performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, after the country finished 12th overall with a total of 12 medals.
In a message celebrating the team's achievement, the President said Kenya had once again demonstrated its excellence on the global stage after winning three gold, four silver and five bronze medals.
"We are proud of Team Kenya for an outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland," Ruto said.
He singled out Kenya's gold medallists, Edmund Serem, who won the men's 3,000m steeplechase, Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang, who claimed the men's 5,000m title, and Faith Cherotich, who triumphed in the women's 3,000m steeplechase.
The President also commended the silver medallists: Stephen Ndangiri Kihu (10,000m walk), Simon Kiprop Koech (3,000m steeplechase), Diana Wanza (10,000m), and Lilian Odira (800m).
Ruto further praised the bronze medal winners: Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (3,000m steeplechase), Wyclife Kinyamal (800m), Timothy Cheruiyot (One Mile), Irene Jepkemboi (Javelin), and Joshua Amunga Mboya (60kg weightlifting)
"We celebrate your outstanding achievements and thank you for flying the Kenyan flag high," the President said.
Kenya's medal haul of 12 placed the country 12th on the overall medal table, underlining its continued strength in athletics while also earning a podium finish in weightlifting.
The performance adds to Kenya's rich history at the Commonwealth Games, where the country has consistently ranked among Africa's top-performing nations.
On her part, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano commended the national team for their exceptional showing, noting that their success on the global stage serves as a powerful, high-visibility platform that significantly elevates Kenya’s brand worldwide.
According to the CS, Kenya's continued dominance in track and long-distance events has generated millions of dollars in organic media exposure, reinforcing the country's global identity as a nation defined by extraordinary talent and resilience.
Miano emphasised that this heightened international profile directly fuels Kenya's tourism industry, particularly within the rapidly expanding sports and athletics tourism sector.
She pointed out that the nation's athletics dominance firmly establishes high-altitude training groundssuch as Iten as premier destinations for foreign athletes, sports enthusiasts, and wellness tourists.
Furthermore, she noted that this athletic prestige seamlessly sparks broader interest in Kenya's iconic safari, adventure, and cultural destinations, showcasing why the country remains "truly Magical."
