According to the country’s anti-doping agency on Tuesday, Kenyan Athletics’ fight against doping faces a significant setback as budget cuts have halted all testing, potentially leading to a ban from international competitions.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) revealed that it was given only 20 million shillings ($155,000) to cover day-to-day operations for the upcoming financial year, a sharp contrast to the expected 288 million shillings ($2.2 million).
The agency’s program was affected by widespread budget cuts imposed by the government following the withdrawal of a tax bill that sparked massive protests in June.
“This decision has paralysed the agency, preventing us from meeting our obligations and risking non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code,” stated ADAK board chief Daniel Makdwallo during a press briefing in Nairobi.
“I appeal to the national treasury to reconsider this funding shortfall and restore the agency’s budget to safeguard Kenyan athletes.”
Kenya has made significant investments in an effort to restore its reputation after a series of doping scandals during the 2016 Rio Olympics. As a result, WADA declared it non-compliant and established a restructured anti-doping agency. The agency has since taken decisive action, penalizing 78 athletes within the last three years.
In June, the agency issued marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich a first-lifetime ban and 10km record-holder Rhonex Kipruto a six-year ban.
In April 2023, the government announced a $25 million investment over five years to combat the issue.
