Kenyan Government invests $5m to combat doping in athletics

Kenya's government has contributed $5 million to a plan to combat the doping problem and repair the country's athletics image.

Joyce Chepkirui has been handed four year ban for doping (Image Credits - World Athletics)
By Abhiruchi Rout | Mar 29, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Kenya’s government has contributed $5 million to a plan to combat the doping problem and repair the country’s athletics image. Brett Clothier, the director of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), thinks that the investment will aid Kenya’s efforts to combat doping. Currently,  54 Kenyan athletes are prohibited from competing by the AIU, an organization founded by World Athletics. Clothier traveled to Eldoret, Kenya, a major athletics hub where the cash will be invested. 

The additional funds will increase Kenya’s drug testing rates and support education initiatives within the athletics community. The assistance from the Kenyan Government is anticipated to aid the AIU’s tireless efforts to clean up the sport of doping. The AIU has been working with several anti-doping organizations and authorities to provide successful prevention methods for athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs.

Read More-Rise in Doping cases – A huge Concern for Athletics Kenya

What the director of the Athletics Integrity Unit stated

Brett Clothier stated that to produce the most effective plans on how to use the funding, the AIU is closely collaborating with Athletics Kenya, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, and the Kenyan Government at all levels. He continued by saying that no one in Kenya is denying the existence of the issue and that efforts are being made by all parties to develop effective solutions. The increase in funding is anticipated to raise the level of drug testing in Kenya, which has been a major issue for the nation since a number of its athletes were found to be doping. Additionally, it will conduct outreach education programs for the athletics community to discourage players from using performance-enhancing substances.

About AIU’s visit

The AIU delegation is also scheduled to go to Kapsabet, where the Eliud Kipchoge Training Centre, named for the double Olympic marathon champion and world record holder, has recently been finished. The representatives are scheduled to visit Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet, also known as the “Home of Champions,” where numerous sportsmen, including David Rudisha, the double Olympic 800 meters gold medalist, lived and trained.

What the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Had to say

Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports for Kenya, is expected to see Clothier in Nairobi. Lieutenant-General Jackson Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya, has welcomed the support and stated that it will aid in the fight against doping. “World Athletics gave us another chance to put our house in order, and we are glad that all the stakeholders are helping us eradicate this and have a clean sport,” he said. “We are all fighting anti-doping rule violations because we need clean sport, and that extends to even the athlete support personnel.”

What the county governor of Uasin Gishu said

Jonathan Bii, the county governor of Uasin Gishu, met with Clothier and demanded more stringent certification standards for coaches. “Some have introduced our athletes to drugs, so what we require is the accreditation of these coaches so we can find good quality coaches who are serious about developing the talent of our young people,” he said.

Read More-Athletics Integrity Unit suspends three Kenyan athletes for doping