NAIROBI, July 29: Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki on Monday announced the doubling of cash bonuses for its medallists at next month’s Beijing Olympic Games.

Gold medal winners will receive 750,000 shillings ($11,200) while silver and bronze will get 500,000 shillings and 250,00 shillings respectively.

“The Olympic Games have evolved into one of the most highly recognized sports event globally,” said Kibaki when he met the Olympic contingent at State House in Nairobi.

“As you travel to Beijing to compete in the games, I urge you to bear in mind that you are participating at the very top of sports achievement,” he added.—AFP