Kenya given 21 days to appeal as WADA alleges non-compliance with anti-doping code
The Montreal-based watchdog announced on September 11 that its Executive Committee had acted on the recommendation of the Compliance Review Committee, citing “critical requirements” that remain unaddressed following a May 2024 audit.
Kenya’s anti-doping system is once again under global scrutiny after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a damning notice declaring the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) non-compliant with its code.
The Montreal-based watchdog announced on September 11 that its Executive Committee had acted on the recommendation of the Compliance Review Committee, citing “critical requirements” that remain unaddressed following a May 2024 audit.
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Under WADA rules, ADAK now has 21 days until October 2 to contest the findings or provide evidence of corrective action. Failure to do so will see Kenya slapped with sanctions that could dent its international sporting reputation.
“Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), the Signatory has 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, as well as the proposed consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency,” WADA said in its statement.
If non-compliance is confirmed, ADAK will be stripped of all WADA privileges, including funding and participation in development programmes. Its officials will also be barred from WADA boards, committees, or activities, while Kenya could be blocked from hosting WADA-sanctioned events.
“It is always disappointing when a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code is alleged as non-compliant,” WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said.
“However, it is crucially important for the global system that Anti-Doping Organisations are held to the same high standards that we expect from athletes. We will continue to work with all non-compliant organisations to improve their programmes so they can address their non-conformities and restore their compliance status for the good of athletes, inside those countries and internationally.”
Kenya now risks joining a short but notorious list of non-compliant signatories that currently includes Russia, Sri Lanka, the International Federation of Basque Pelota, and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
Unless swift action is taken in the coming days, the countdown to October 2 could mark a dark chapter for Kenyan athletics at a time when its athletes are among the most decorated in global track and field.
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