Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has described 2024 as his best year financially, citing a combination of sponsorships, prize money, and lucrative endorsement deals as the sources of his windfall.
The reigning Commonwealth Games 100m champion is now living his dream, cruising in four luxurious cars worth Sh43 million, building a multi-million-shilling home, and enjoying financial stability.
“For sure, 2024 was a good year for me financially by the grace of God,” said Omanyala, who turned 29 on January 2.
Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala waves to the crowd during the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, on May 13, 2023.
Photo credit: AFP
Omanyala secured sponsorship deals with eight firms, including Adidas, CFAO Mobility Kenya under the Toyota brand, East African Breweries’ Tusker brand, Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN) Kenya, Visa, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Absa Bank Kenya.
The deals provided him with millions in funding, helping him achieve personal milestones like constructing a seven-bedroom house in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
Ferdinard Omanyala celebrates after crossing 100m finishing line during Athletics Kenya Paris Olympics Trials on June 15, 2024 at Nyayo National Stadium.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“Financially, I was quite successful after I had so much support, which made me set some good milestones in life like putting up a house,” he added.
Omanyala, who holds the African 100m record of 9.77 seconds, had a breakthrough in January 2022 when he signed a multi-million-shilling sponsorship deal with Adidas. Initially set to expire in January 2025, the deal was extended to 2028, the year of the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The 2024 season also saw CFAO gifting Omanyala two high-end vehicles: a Toyota Hilux Double Cabin worth Sh6.5 million and the latest Toyota Prado Adventure Plus J250 valued at Sh23 million.
These joined his collection of a Mercedes E-Class worth Sh8.4 million and a Toyota Harrier valued at Sh5 million, the latter gifted to him by Odibet.
“Actually, the Toyota Harrier is so dear to me. It was my dream car and will remain something that I treasure and can never release to anyone. I really love it,” said Omanyala.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba (left), presents a symbolic key to Africa 100 metres record holder Ferdinand Omanyala, when he was named CFAO Motors Goodwill Ambassador, as the company’s Managing Director Arvinder Reel looks on in Nairobi.
Omanyala sealed unspecified sponsorship deals with Tusker, USN, Visa and Absa last year in the run-up to the Paris Olympics.
In addition to sponsorship deals, Omanyala earned millions in appearance fees and prize money.
“I collected an appearance fee of Sh3.5 million in most races, but the Absa Kip Keino Classic was among the best,” he noted.
The athlete competed in 27 races in 2024, including 14 outdoor 100m races, two at the Paris Olympics, and six 60m indoor events, three of which were at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
He also raced in two Diamond League events: finishing second at the Prefontaine Classic in May, earning $6,000 (Sh798,000), and seventh at the Rome Golden Gala in August, earning $1,500 (Sh193,000).
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala and Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum join Bomas of Kenya dancers at Kenya House.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Omanyala reflected on his financial achievements, crediting sound planning and investments for his stability.
His latest venture is Ferbil Interfreight Limited, a clearing and forwarding company he launched last year, which he says has occupied much of his time over the past few months.
“I now have no landlord knocking on my door looking for rent,” he quipped, referring to his under-construction home in Ruiru, projected to cost over Sh50 million.
Beyond personal success, Omanyala is focused on giving back through “The Omanyala Foundation,” established in 2022 to empower athletes by promoting sports and physical activity. “We are planning to do some great things this year with the foundation,” he said.
Omanyala also owns a clothing line, “Track Ferdi,” which he plans to expand with new sports attire in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Omanyala has shifted his focus to the outdoor season and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13–21. Having already qualified, he aims to shine on the global stage.
“My main focus is on outdoor this season, but again, the world championships in Tokyo is my ultimate target this year,” he said.
Africa 100m champion Ferdinard Omanyala follows the late Janet Wanja memorial service at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani indoor gymnasium on January 2, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
“The life of an athlete is short, and remember money is like a good flower that wilts at some point. They must try to invest in something,” he advised.
When asked about his current net worth, Omanyala deflected with humour. “That question is well posed to Cabinet Secretaries… I hope to be a Sports CS in future; perhaps that is when I will know,” he joked.
For now, Omanyala is focused on maintaining his momentum on the track and building a legacy.
