Athletics Kenya have begun the process of ensuring Kenya will not face the embarrassment of the 2022 World Championships in Oregon and Commonwealth Games where several athletes were flagged for anti-doping rule violations.
Lawrence Cherono was provisionally suspended for ARDV at the World Championships while another marathoner was among those banned in Birmingham.
On Tuesday, AK in collaboration with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) conducted a seminar featuring over 100 athletes, mostly the probables for the 2023 World Athletics Championships set for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary.
According to ADAK, athletes keen on making Team Kenya for the World Championships must undergo compulsory anti-doping education and minimum testing requirements as stipulated by World Athletics.
Martin Yauma, ADAK’s head of education and research said it is only by ensuring athletes know their role in the fight against doping that the country will cement its status among the best in the world.
He lamented that some athletes and their support staff have resorted to getting rich quickly missions, damaging the country's reputation at major events.
"Money is the main cause (behind doping)," claimed Yauma. "Some athletes collude with their support staff to cheat in their quest for instant wealth. This has continued to jeopardize the country, who are already on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Category 'A'."
Federation’s executive member and Youth Development Committee chairman Barnabas Korir said: "We want to make information available to, especially, athletes who will participate in the world competition and identify athletes and those who already have qualification."
Korir added that imparting knowledge is paramount and should be continued.
"Partaking knowledge is very paramount according to World Athletics and Athletics Integrity Unit, thus offering continuous education on doping helps athletes understand their roles," added Korir.
