In an effort to combat the surging cases of anti-doping rule violations in Kenya, the government has rolled out a multi-agency retreat on anti-doping at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, while opening the session, said the country is eager to do everything in its power to combat the vice.
Namwamba reiterated that the country has the ability, will, desire and commitment to fight doping.
“Twelve days ago, we received feedback from the World Athletics Council about the increase in doping cases in the country. The good news is that the council accepted our position and proposal to fight doping,” said Namwamba, adding that the government will continue to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting the country’s athletic heritage in the international arena.
“We have put an effective multi-agency response plan to deliver zero tolerance to doping. After the retreat, we will be deploying the plan to effect just as Adak is deploying every measures to fight doping. We are giving an assurance that the we will win the war,” Namwamba said.
The government has taken bold steps to deal with the vice after the country almost attracted the ire of the World Anti-Drug Agency, Wada.
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei promised to present an effective solution to the crisis at the end of the workshop, adding that the country needs joint efforts to win the war.
“We need all the efforts as a country and today, we just started the discussion on how to manage the doping menace, we will have the best resolutions,” said Tuwei.
Kenya has been on the World Athletics radar due to increased doping cases, with up to 46 athletes getting into trouble with the anti-doping agencies this year alone.
The multi-agency team from the National Police Service, the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Intelligence Service,
Athletics Kenya, the Anti-Doping Agency (Adak), national sports federations and Ministry of Sports.
Sports PS Jonathan Mueke, who also graced the occasion, said that the multi-agency team is one of the promises that the government made to World Athletics and AIU.
