The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued an update on the compliance status of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Kenya (ADAK).
The agency on Friday, October 3, said that it has delayed imposing sanctions on ADAK after acknowledging “significant and demonstrable progress” in addressing critical compliance issues.
WADA formally alleged on September 11 that Kenya’s anti-doping agency was non-compliant with its global anti-doping code, citing unresolved issues from a May 2024 audit. Under international rules, ADAK was given 21 days—until October 2—to either dispute the findings or submit a plan to rectify them.
WADA grants Kenya reprieve from doping sanctions, citing ‘progress’
Ahead of the deadline, Kenya’s anti-doping agency submitted a corrective action plan detailing how it intends to resolve the outstanding issues within four months. WADA has since confirmed that the plan shows substantial progress and has referred the matter back to its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) for further evaluation.
As a result, the threatened non-compliance designation and its associated penalties will not take effect for the time being.
“This has led WADA Management to refer the matter back to the CRC for further consideration. Therefore, until such time as the CRC reassesses the case and potentially makes a further recommendation to the ExCo, and the ExCo reaches a subsequent decision, the aforementioned consequences for ADAK will not apply,” the report reads.
Had ADAK been officially declared non-compliant, Kenya could have faced serious consequences, including the loss of WADA funding and access to key programs, as well as ineligibility for Kenyan representatives to sit on WADA boards and committees.
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The agency would have also received a ban on hosting international sporting events, including the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships, for which Kenya has expressed interest.
President Ruto vows more ‘professionalism’ in ADAK
The country’s government has responded forcefully to the situation. President William Ruto, on Thursday, October 2, declared the country would do “whatever it takes” to clean up its anti-doping system and restore global trust.
Speaking during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, with Kenya’s 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships team, Ruto said he wanted greater “professionalism” in ADAK as it faced a deadline from world authorities to clean up its systems. The Head of State admitted urgent reforms were needed and called on the sports minister to oversee a comprehensive restructuring.
“We will do whatever it takes. We will reorganize ADAK properly and inject professionalism,” Ruto said.
Despite substantial efforts in recent years—including millions invested in anti-doping efforts—Kenya has remained under scrutiny due to a high number of doping violations.
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Since 2017, more than 140 Kenyan athletes have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit, more than any other country. These include prominent long-distance runners such as 2016 Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong and current marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich.
Concerns about ADAK’s capacity were heightened in 2024 after the Kenyan government slashed the agency’s budget by nearly 50%, drawing criticism at home and abroad.
WADA currently lists only three organizations as officially non-compliant: Russia’s National Anti-Doping Agency, Sri Lanka’s Anti-Doping Agency, and the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).
Kenya’s situation remains under review, and WADA has said it will provide further updates as ADAK’s reforms are assessed.
The country’s team returned triumphant last week after finishing second behind the United States in the overall medal table at the world championships in Tokyo.
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