Kenya Must Be ‘Clean’ To Be Credible, Says WADA Chief

Kenya must demonstrate it can be a “clean” home of athletics if it is to retain its credibility as it prepares to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships, according to Witold Banka, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada),
Banka was speaking at the end of a three-day visit to Nairobi where he held talks with President William Ruto, government and sports officials, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak), athletes and representatives of law enforcement.
Wada said the visit was intended to build on recent progress in Kenya’s anti-doping programme at a critical time following Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Championships.
“Kenya calls itself probably ‘home of champions’, but every home has to have a good host and has to be clean to be credible,” Banka told the BBC.
“We absolutely need to instill the culture of clean sport.”
Kenya was awarded the 2029 championships in September, making it the first African country selected to host the event.
The decision has increased scrutiny of its efforts to tackle a long-running doping problem.
More than 140 Kenyan athletes, predominantly distance runners, have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit since 2017.
The Polish former sports minister said he had received a clear commitment from Ruto’s government to a policy of zero tolerance towards doping, but warned promises would have to be matched by results.
“Wada will monitor this situation and observe the dynamic. Action speaks louder than words,” he said.
Banka said his discussions with Ruto also focused on strengthening an independent Adak, and ensuring it has sufficient government support.