Kenya risks international sports ban as Anti-Doping Agency's financial crisis deepens
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 26.10.24. | 21:32
Furthermore, anti-doping education programs would also be impacted
Kenya faces the possibility of being labelled non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), following significant budget cuts by the National Treasury to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
Reduced funding has left ADAK unable to fully operate after the government slashed ADAK’s budget from Ksh288 million to Ksh20 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
ADAK CEO Sarah Shibutse warned in an interview with Athletics News that if funds are not provided soon, Kenya may face sanctions from WADA for failing to meet compliance standards.
“ADAK’s inability to fulfil its responsibilities will lead WADA to declare Kenya non-compliant,” Shibutse explained.
The agency, previously sustained by government funding, now struggles even to cover basic costs like rent and internet.
“Our landlord has issued a notice since we haven’t paid rent since July 2024, and the internet has been cut off. The situation is critical,” Shibutse added.
Last month, former chairman Amb. Daniel Makdwallo publicly voiced his concern over the budget reduction.
He cautioned that Kenya could be barred from hosting or sending athletes to international events if ADAK cannot maintain regular testing and legal proceedings against athletes found doping.
Furthermore, anti-doping education programs would also be impacted.
Makdwallo appealed to the government to reinstate ADAK’s budget, noting that testing costs range between 600-700 euros (Ksh83,000-Ksh97,00) per athlete.
Two years ago, ADAK agreed with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to increase testing to 5,000 athletes annually, backed by a government pledge of US$5 million per year over five years. This funding was intended to enhance ADAK’s capacity for testing, investigations, education, and case management.
In 2016, WADA placed Kenya on its compliance watch list, labelling the country as "at high risk for doping" within the athletics community.
A WADA study at the time revealed that 42% of Kenyan athletes had limited knowledge of banned substances, while 26% had moderate awareness and 30% had a high level of understanding.
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