Kenyan athletes who shined at the recently concluded 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, are set to enjoy a tax-free income back home due to a number of reasons.
The Championships witnessed Kenyan athletes making their mark and earning substantial rewards, sparking discussions around their earnings and taxation policies.
The World Championships saw an impressive prize pool, with awards ranging from $70,000 (Ksh10,178,000) to $5,000 (Ksh727,000) for the top eight finishers in individual events.
The gold, silver, and bronze medalists were entitled to $70,000 (Ksh10,178,000), $35,000 (Ksh5,089,000), and $22,000 (Ksh3,198,800) respectively.
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Athletes who secured the fourth and fifth positions received $16,000 (Ksh2,326,4000) and $11,000 (Ksh1,599,400) respectively.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth-placed runners were also rewarded with $7,000 (Ksh1,017,800), $6,000 (Ksh872,400), and $5,000 (Ksh727,000) respectively.
The impressive earnings meant that many members of Team Kenya who reached the finals of their respective events were able to secure a share of the prize money.
Notably, Faith Kipyegon, a double gold medal winner, led the pack with earnings amounting to Ksh20,356,000.
She was followed closely by 800m gold medalist Mary Moraa, who earned Ksh10,178,000.
Other medalists such as Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chepkoech, and Daniel Simiu secured silver and walked away with Ksh5,089,000 each.
However, it’s important to note that while these athletes will not be able to take home the full amount due to sharing with their management teams, a significant advantage lies in the fact that the Kenyan tax authorities will not be claiming a portion of their hard-earned rewards.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) ceased the practice of taxing athletes’ earnings back in 2013, thanks to persistent efforts and advocacy.
Wesley Korir, a former Cherengany MP and a renowned marathon champion, played a pivotal role in this transformation.
Serving as a two-time Los Angeles Marathon and 2012 Boston Marathon victor, Korir used his platform to influence legislative change.
He successfully lobbied the Parliament to introduce a law that provided concessions to athletes, thus putting an end to what they deemed punitive double taxation.
Addressing Parliament at the time, Korir passionately stated, “We need to protect our athletes against harassment from Kenya Revenue Authority. Right now, athletes who participated in international events 10 years ago are being sent letters asking them to pay taxes. Where was KRA 10 years ago? We need to protect our athletes against double taxation.”
Korir highlighted the unfairness of the taxation system and shared his own experiences of being taxed in the United States and then facing a similar tax burden in Kenya.
His efforts bore fruit, and since then, Kenyan athletes have been enjoying a tax-free income on their winnings when they return home.
However, it is worth noting that the prize money earned by the athletes abroad is subject to taxation in the host countries of the competitions.
According to Pulse Sports, a source from the Kenya Revenue Authority, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter, explained the intricacies of the taxation policy. “They are taxed out there where the competitions happen.
They pay withholding tax from what they earn, and it was on this basis that there were exemptions in Kenya to avoid what was being called double taxation.
However, when they invest the money here, any income that comes from it must be taxed,” the source elaborated.
The results of the 2023 World Athletics Championships were a cause for national pride as Kenya secured an impressive tally of 10 medals, including three gold, three silver, and four bronze.
Additionally, eight other Kenyan athletes clinched positions between fourth and eighth, collectively earning their nation recognition and financial rewards.
This achievement meant that a total of 18 team members were able to take home a minimum of Ksh727,000 from their remarkable performances on the international stage.
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