Athletics

Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya CEO Sarah Shibutse sent on compulsory leave

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The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has sent CEO Sarah Shibutse on a 90-day compulsory leave over alleged financial mismanagement, as the agency faces scrutiny for procurement irregularities and unsupported payments.

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has sent its Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Shibutse, on a 90-day compulsory leave following allegations of financial mismanagement. This decision was announced in a statement issued to newsrooms on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The ADAK Board cited Ms. Shibutse’s failure to ensure financial accountability, highlighting discrepancies in procurement processes and unsupported payments during the 2023/24 financial year.

“Following the pending bills report by the Board dated November 13, 2024, and discussed during a Special Full Board Meeting on December 16, 2024, it was observed that as the Accounting Officer, you did not exercise due diligence in performing your duties,” the statement, signed by Board Chairman Bishop Joseph Kagunda, noted.

The board accused Ms. Shibutse of authorizing payments that contravened the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act (2015), resulting in significant pending bills.  “This omission has occasioned a raft of pending bills that ought not to be there in the first place,” added Bishop Kagunda.

Ms Peninah Wahome, the Director of Compliance at ADAK, has taken on the role of acting CEO in Ms. Shibutse's absence.

The decision comes at a challenging time for ADAK, which has been grappling with funding shortages. Earlier in September, the agency disclosed that government funding had been slashed from Sh298 million to Sh20 million for the 2024/25 financial year, jeopardising its operations.

Established under the Anti-Doping Act 2016, ADAK’s mandate includes spearheading anti-doping education, awareness campaigns, and testing, guided by the World Anti-Doping Code.

“The board’s actions underline the importance of accountability within public institutions. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of Kenyan sports,” said Bishop Kagunda.

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