Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reinforced the Kenyan government’s commitment to supporting the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in its battle against doping.

During a meeting with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Africa office director Rodney Swigelaar at his Talanta Plaza office on Monday, Murkomen emphasized Kenya’s respect for the rule of law and its dedication to complying with the WADA code.

“We are committed to adhering to WADA regulations and implementing the audit recommendations to enhance ADAK,” said Murkomen. He highlighted the government’s resolve to uphold high standards of integrity in Kenyan sports, stressing the importance of the anti-doping fight in preserving Kenya’s rich sporting legacy.

“Kenya is a global sporting powerhouse, and tackling doping is essential to safeguarding our sporting history,” he added.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns over Kenya’s potential ban from international sporting events due to possible non-compliance with anti-doping regulations. Two weeks ago, ADAK chair Daniel Makdwallo raised alarms about the agency’s inability to function effectively after its budget was slashed from Ksh 288 million to Ksh 20 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

Makdwallo warned that without adequate funding, ADAK would struggle to carry out critical tasks, including anti-doping tests, education, investigations, and intelligence gathering. This could jeopardize Kenya’s compliance with WADA’s global standards.

Last week, while addressing the National Assembly, Murkomen acknowledged ADAK’s financial challenges and stressed the urgent need for adequate funding.

“That sector requires our full support. We are determined to ensure ADAK receives the necessary resources because, without it, Kenya risks having a black spot in our sports sector, which could threaten the commercialization of sports in the country,” Murkomen remarked.

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