Sports CS Murkomen pledges full government support for ADAK in anti-doping fight
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 01.10.24. | 09:25
The CS highlighted the government's determination to maintain high standards of integrity in Kenyan sports, stressing the importance of the anti-doping fight in preserving the country's rich sporting legacy
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government's commitment to fully supporting the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in its fight against doping.
Murkomen emphasized Kenya's respect for the rule of law and its dedication to adhering to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
"We are committed to complying with WADA regulations and implementing the audit recommendations to strengthen ADAK," he said, during a meeting with WADA Africa office director Rodney Swigelaar at his Talanta Plaza office on Monday.
The CS highlighted the government's determination to maintain high standards of integrity in Kenyan sports, stressing the importance of the anti-doping fight in preserving the country's rich sporting legacy.
"Kenya is a major sporting nation, and fighting doping is essential to safeguarding our sporting history," he noted.
The meeting came amid concerns about Kenya's potential ban from international sporting competitions due to non-compliance with anti-doping regulations.
As a major sporting nation, we are duty-bound to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our sports.
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) September 30, 2024
This morning, I had a fruitful engagement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Africa Office Director Mr. Rodney Swigelaar. Our discussions revolved around compliance… pic.twitter.com/5nspX13Aau
Two weeks ago, ADAK chair Daniel Makdwallo raised alarms about the agency’s inability to function effectively following a drastic budget cut from Ksh 288 million to Ksh 20 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
Makdwallo warned that without adequate funding, ADAK would struggle to carry out its core functions, including anti-doping tests, education, investigations, and intelligence gathering. This could result in Kenya being declared non-compliant with WADA's global standards.
Last week, while addressing the National Assembly, Murkomen acknowledged ADAK’s financial challenges, stressing the urgent need for proper funding.
“That sector requires our full support. We are determined to ensure ADAK gets the necessary resources because, without it, Kenya risks having a black spot in our sports sector. It would be a threat to the commercialization of sports in Kenya,” Murkomen remarked.
Present at Monday’s meeting were ADAK chair Makdwallo and CEO Sarah Shibutse, who echoed the need for stronger support to ensure ADAK meets its obligations effectively.
