Kenya accused of non-compliance says World Anti-Doping Agency

Kenya’s anti-doping agency (ADAK) has been accused of non-compliance with anti-doping regulations by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), according to Africanews, September 12.

The consequences of being compliant with WADA’s code could mean Kenya will face repercussions next month should it fail to bring itself up to standard with the international regulator and address its deficiencies. The news follows an audit of Kenya’s agency by WADA representatives in May 2024.

In an upset for the country’s image, Kenya could face a loss of funding and participation in WADA’s programs, as well as Kenyan members being banned from holding Board or Committee positions. 

Most crushing of all, however, are the punishments for competitions, with the government being faced with bans on the Regional, International, and even Global levels.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has said that it will continue to work with non-compliant agencies to help bring them into compliance. 

Kenyan officials and athletes have also expressed deep concerns over the future of their world-famous running program after the news broke. 

ADAK spokeswoman Ann Wairimu said in a statement that “This is a big issue which is beyond the agency. It can only be addressed by the ministry through the minister of sports.”

“It’s definitely something we need to act on quickly, as we only have three weeks to come up with the solution,” she continued. 

The Kenyan agency also saw a severe loss in funding recently, after the government cut its budget by nearly half last year, with the then chairman expressing great concern about the future of their programmes.

Earlier this year, Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepngetich, who is the women’s world record holder in the marathon, received a provisional suspension from competitions after she tested positive for a banned substance known as diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.

Speaking to the AFP, another Kenyan athlete, Sabastian Sawe, who won London’s marathon last year, encouraged the government to act quickly to address the sporting crisis: “I feel it is time we combat doping, which has been something like cancer, to save our nation,” said Sawe.

Afrcanews via Reuters, France 24 via AFP, Maghrebi.org