Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed concerns over doping as Kenya prepares to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, insisting that the Government has been transparent in its efforts to combat the use of banned substances in sport.
Murkomen said allegations questioning Kenya’s preparedness to host the global athletics event were without merit, arguing that the country’s continued focus on doping control was evidence of its commitment to clean sport.
“The issue has been brought out because we are a very serious country when it comes to doping. We do not hide anything,” Murkomen said.
He added that the Government had intensified efforts to crack down on pharmacists and other individuals suspected of facilitating doping-related activities.
The CS spoke in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the launch of the Sh63 million Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, which will bring together teams and athletes from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties.
The tournament will feature football, volleyball, athletics and basketball for both men and women, with competitions starting at the ward level on September 26.
The Inter-County volleyball finals will be held on October 19, followed by the football finals on October 20. The Iten Marathon is scheduled for October 18.
Murkomen said Sh63 million had been allocated to the tournament, with about Sh60 million expected to go directly to participants through prize money.
“A total of up to Sh60 million will go directly into the pockets of participants. We are determined to ensure that this happens all the way to the grassroots level,” he said.
The CS warned that professional players would not be allowed to take part, saying the tournament was designed to identify and support grassroots talent.
“We will not allow professional players to participate,” Murkomen said.
He said organisers had established an ICT-based system to verify participants and prevent cheating, while measures had also been put in place to ensure that tournament funds were properly accounted for.
Murkomen further said officials involved in organising the competition had been withdrawn from their normal public service duties and would not receive allowances from the tournament’s prize money.
The measures, he said, were intended to ensure that the resources allocated to the tournament benefited athletes and teams rather than being consumed through administrative costs.
The launch was attended by governors Jonathan Bii, Wisley Rotich and Stephen Sang, Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, several Members of Parliament, county speakers, county commissioners, MCAs and other national and county government officials.
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