Kenya avoids WADA suspension, agrees to meet anti-doping standards within four months
Only three organisations remain non-compliant with the WADA code: the National Anti-Doping Organisations of Russia and Sri Lanka, and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB).
Kenya has avoided immediate sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) introduced a corrective plan to address shortcomings identified in a 2024 audit.
The plan sets out steps for ADAK to meet global anti-doping standards within four months, providing the country a chance to align fully with international rules.
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WADA will continue monitoring ADAK’s progress before making any final decisions.
The update follows a 21-day period during which ADAK was expected to respond to a notice declaring it non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.
WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will now reassess ADAK’s corrective actions and may make further recommendations to the agency’s Executive Committee (ExCo).
“Until 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,” WADA said in a statement on Friday, October 3, 2025.
The Kenyan government has moved swiftly to implement reforms at ADAK.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya explained that the changes will strengthen the agency’s technical capacity through a robust policy and legal framework that meets international best practices.
He added that the National Treasury has committed to ring-fencing funds for anti-doping programs, ensuring ADAK has the resources needed to carry out its mandate.
Kenya’s troubles began after WADA’s Compliance Review Committee found multiple gaps in ADAK’s operations during a May 2024 audit.
The review exposed weaknesses in rules, regulations, and legislation, leaving the country non-compliant with global standards.
Had ADAK failed to act, WADA proposed a range of sanctions, including barring Kenya from hosting or co-hosting WADA-sanctioned events, prohibiting ADAK officials from participating in WADA programs, and withholding WADA funding. Kenya also risked losing its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
WADA’s update emphasised that it will continue to provide updates as ADAK implements its corrective plan.
Only three organisations remain non-compliant with the WADA code: the National Anti-Doping Organisations of Russia and Sri Lanka, and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB).
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