Kenya welcomed the decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to formally close the compliance procedure concerning Kenya and remove the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) from its compliance watchlist.
The decision follows a recommendation by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee, which confirmed that ADAK has fully aligned its operations with the World Anti-Doping Code and applicable International Standards.
The compliance procedure stemmed from an audit conducted in May 2024 under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS).
Following the audit findings, the Government moved to implement corrective measures within the stipulated timelines.
According to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, ADAK developed and executed a comprehensive corrective action plan that strengthened governance and oversight structures, enhanced operational independence, improved results management systems, reinforced intelligence and investigations capacity, and streamlined athlete whereabouts management.
“The removal of Kenya from the compliance watchlist sends a clear and powerful message to the global sporting community: Kenya remains firmly committed to clean sport, institutional accountability and international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of athletics and all sporting disciplines,” Mvurya said.
During the review period, no formal non-compliance sanctions were imposed on Kenya.
The Ministry of Sports provided policy direction, administrative support and enhanced resource allocation to ensure full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
While celebrating the milestone, the government acknowledged that compliance remains an ongoing obligation, noting that WADA retains oversight powers under its continuous monitoring framework.
Kenya has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over doping cases, particularly in athletics — a sport that has earned the country global acclaim.
The government now says it will sustain investment in testing programmes, intelligence-led investigations, education and awareness initiatives, and stronger legal and governance frameworks to safeguard clean competition.
Mvurya commended ADAK leadership, intelligence teams and stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the corrective measures.
“Kenya’s global sporting reputation has been built on talent, resilience and discipline. As a nation, we remain unequivocal that the future of Kenyan sport must also be defined by integrity,” he said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to championing clean sport and protecting the credibility of Kenyan athletes on the international stage.
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