WADA President begins two-day visit to Kenya as fight against doping hots up

Kenya has on Sunday welcomed World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the country’s efforts against doping and demonstrating its commitment to protecting clean and fair sport.

Baaka was received by the Ministry of Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, alongside the Chairperson of the Board of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), retired Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, ADAK Acting Chief Executive Officer Peninah Wahome, WADA Africa Director Rodney Swigelaar, former rugby star and Clean Sport champion Humphrey Kayange, Christine Mugera of the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) as well as other officials and stakeholders.

During the visit, Banka is expected to hold talks with senior government officials and key stakeholders in Kenya’s sports sector.

The discussions will focus on strides made in strengthening the country’s anti-doping systems, as well as further measures needed to protect athletes and ensure that Kenya complies with international anti-doping standards.

The WADA president is also expected to hold a media briefing on Tuesday.

His visit comes as Kenya continues to grapple with the challenge of doping, particularly in athletics.

According to recent reports citing the Athletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) Global List of Ineligible Persons, approximately 130 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for doping-related offences since 2017.

ADAK also continues to publish lists of athletes serving bans, as well as those who have been provisionally suspended.

Kenya established ADAK in 2016 as part of efforts to strengthen its anti-doping framework.

Since then, Kenya has expanded its testing, investigations and anti-doping education programmes.

Banka’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity to assess the progress made, identify remaining gaps and strengthen co-operation between Kenya and international anti-doping organisations.

For Kenya, the central message remains clear: protecting athletes and preserving the integrity of its sporting achievements requires continued vigilance, strong institutions and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that competition remains clean.