Kenya's anti-doping agency faces financial crisis amid budget cuts

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is facing a crippling financial crisis following budget reductions by the National Treasury.

Speaking before the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee on Wednesday, ADAK’s Chief Executive, Sarah Shibutse, outlined the agency’s difficulties, disclosing that its operations have been severely disrupted due to inadequate funding.

"Operations by ADAK have been crippled due to underfunding by the National Treasury," Shibutse stated during the session chaired by Naomi Waqo, the Marsabit County MP.

She detailed that the agency has been unable to pay its rent since July, leading to threats of eviction from their landlord.

"The Internet has been disconnected. We are in a dire situation," Waqo added.

The financial struggles extend to staff salaries, with Shibutse highlighting that the situation has escalated to alarming levels.

Currently, the agency's budget has dwindled to a mere Sh20 million, a stark reduction that threatens to undermine ADAK's critical functions.

"The net effect of this budget cut is to cripple the agency," she explained.

Shibutse also expressed grave concerns over the implications of ADAK's funding woes, warning that the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) could label Kenya as non-compliant.

"The ramifications of a declaration of non-compliance by WADA mean that no Kenyan athlete will be eligible to participate in any international competitions," she stated.

Additionally, the agency's inability to conduct doping tests for athletes participating in upcoming international events could have dire consequences.

"We don't have money to test national football team players who will also take part in CHAN," Shibutse mentioned, noting that each doping test costs over Sh50,000.

Shibutse urged the committee to intervene in light of these challenges, appealing for the National Treasury to restore funding to protect Kenyan athletes and the country's reputation.

The committee members expressed concern and assured the CEO that the issue would be addressed.

They are exploring options to direct funds from the Sports Fund to provide immediate relief to ADAK.

"The Committee has noted grave matters raised by the CEO with concern. We will seek ways of having the Sports Fund support the agency financially," Waqo remarked.

Fellow committee member MP Charles Nguna criticised the National Treasury for its failure to adequately support ADAK.

"It is unjustified to deny ADAK funds when the government knows very well they play a key role in the fight against doping," he said.

MP Robert Basil emphasised the importance of maintaining ADAK's independence.

"Denying the Agency funds compromises their independence," he pointed out.