“Can you believe that Sebastian Sawe who won the London Marathon is winning 48 million in award, but KRA are taking 18 million? I appeal to KRA not to touch the winnings of athletes and sportsmen,” said Cherargei.
His remarks have sparked debate on the taxation of athletes’ income, particularly in cases where competitors represent the country in international competitions and bring home prestigious titles.
Sawe’s victory at the London Marathon marked a major achievement, adding to Kenya’s long-standing dominance in long-distance running.
However, the issue raised by Cherargei has shifted attention to how much of such prize money athletes retain after tax deductions.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has consistently maintained that income earned by Kenyan residents, including prize money, is subject to taxation under existing laws.
This includes earnings from international competitions, endorsements and other professional engagements.
Supporters of the current tax framework argue that athletes, like other professionals, are obligated to contribute to national revenue.
They note that taxation supports public services and infrastructure that benefit all citizens, including sports development programmes.
However, critics contend that athletes operate under unique conditions, often investing heavily in training and competing at high personal and financial risk.
They argue that tax exemptions or reductions could serve as an incentive and reward for individuals who bring honour to the country on the global stage.
The debate is not new, as similar concerns have been raised in the past regarding the treatment of athletes’ earnings.
Some stakeholders have proposed policy reviews aimed at creating a more favourable environment for sports professionals, including tax relief measures.