Athletics Kenya (AK) wants athletes keen to represent the country at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, to have completed their first of three mandatory out-of-competition doping tests by this Saturday.
AK President Jackson Tuwei had earlier confirmed the federation has 444 probable athletes eligible for selection, but only those fully compliant with anti-doping protocols will make the cut.
“To be considered for Team Kenya, athletes must undergo three unannounced out-of-competition tests before August 29. The first of these must be completed by May 24,” Tuwei emphasised.
Apart from attaining the World Championships entry standards, athletes must adhere to the World Athletics anti-doping rules and finish in the top two during the national trials to fly the nation's flag in Tokyo.
In line with World Athletics’ stringent anti-doping framework, Kenya, currently in Category ‘A’ of the WA anti-doping watch, must subject its athletes to rigorous testing to safeguard credibility and eligibility.
In a statement, AK reiterated the urgency of the anti-doping tests for all athletes hoping to represent the country.
"AK is issuing a final reminder to all athletes anticipating participation at the trials for selection to represent the country during the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan."
"As per the World Athletics anti-doping rules, all athletes to be selected to represent Kenya in Tokyo this year are required to have completed their first no-notice out-of-competition anti-doping test by the strict deadline of this Saturday, May 24, 2025," the statement read.
According to the rules, national teams of a Category 'A' member federation should have undergone at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests (urine and blood) in the 10 months before the competition.
Athletes who do not meet the outlined criteria will be ineligible for selection.
"Any athlete under the jurisdiction of AK whose first no-notice out-of-competition test is conducted after Saturday will be deemed ineligible for selection to Team Kenya for the World Championships," AK said.
"AK emphasises the importance of adhering to the deadline by athletes sticking to the whereabouts provided and avoiding unsuccessful attempts."
