Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has announced that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has formally removed Kenya from its compliance watchlist.
In a statement dated March 4, Salim Mvurya noted that the compliance procedure concerning Kenya and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has been officially closed.
“The Government of Kenya welcomes and notes with great satisfaction 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 the compliance ‘watchlist’,” part of the statement read.
Additionally, the WADA Compliance Review Committee confirmed that ADAK has fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and the applicable International Standards.
The Compliance Review Committee was convened following the May 2024 audit under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS).
Corrective Measures by ADAK
ADAK developed a corrective action plan following the audit findings to ensure they comply with WADA.
Action by the ADAK strengthened governance and oversight structures, enhanced operational independence, improved results management processes, and reinforced intelligence and investigations capacity.
In addition, it ensured that it streamlined the management of athlete whereabouts systems.
According to Salim, the Ministry provided firm policy direction, administrative support, and enhanced resource allocation to ensure full compliance with the WADA Code and its International Standards.
Salim Mvurya also noted that no formal non-compliance consequences were imposed on Kenya.
“While we celebrate this milestone, we remain fully aware that compliance with the global anti-doping framework is a continuous obligation,” the statement read.
Also Read: Harambee Stars Prospect Called Up to England National Team
Actions to strengthen ADAK
The Government will ensure that the anti-doping system is strengthened through sustained investment in testing programs, investigations, education, and awareness initiatives.
WADA Compliance Watchlist
The WADA Compliance Watchlist is used by the WADA Agency to monitor the process for Signatories identified with non-conformities who show potential to correct them quickly.
It is an official intermediate mechanism outlined in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS).
Compliance by Signatories is to ensure that Signatories deliver Anti-Doping Programs within their respective spheres of responsibility that meet the requirements of the Code and the International Standards.
The Compliance Watchlist, approved by the WADA Compliance Review Committee (CRC), is approved by the WADA Executive Committee (ExCo) under the ISCCS.
Also Red: AFC Leopards Coach Fred Ambani Crowned December 2025 SportPesa League Coach of the Month
Kenyan Athletes Banned for Doping
According to a statement issued by WADA on October 2 regarding ADAK’s non-compliance with its code, ADAK was given 21 days to dispute the allegations.
Sanctions would bar Kenya from being awarded the rights to host regional, continental, or world championships, as well as other international events, during the period.
A WADA project report stated that between 2004 and 1 August 2018, a total of 138 Kenyan athletes had tested positive for Prohibited Substances.
131 athletes took the in-competition (IC) or out-of-competition (OOC) type of test. 13% (18 of 131) were caught by OOC testing, and 86% (113 of 131) were caught by IC testing.
According to WADA, a total of 19 individuals from the country were banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in 2025.
Six others have been provisionally suspended since January, including Ruth Chepngetich, the women’s marathon world record holder, and Sabastian Sawe.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
