Kenya's Anti-Doping Efforts Under Scrutiny as WADA Eases Non-Compliance Status

Kenya's anti-doping agency, ADAK, will transition to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) watch list amid efforts to rectify its previous non-compliance status. This move follows a warning issued in September, urging the nation to meet critical requirements revealed by last year's audit.

WADA's Director General, Olivier Niggli, emphasized the need for ADAK to fulfill its investment promises, highlighting staffing and testing inadequacies. Despite being wary of instant changes, Niggli acknowledged that the agency must bolster its vigilance against doping temptations, which offer athletes significant financial benefits.

Recent bans, including that of marathon world-record holder Ruth Chepngetich, underscore Kenya's ongoing doping issues. The Athletics Integrity Unit noted improvements; however, WADA President Witold Banka stressed the necessity for robust government action to combat these challenges seriously.