Athletics Kenya Suspends German-Based Sports Scholarship Agency Over Anti-Doping, Compliance Concerns

Athletics Kenya (AK) has issued a stern warning to the sporting community regarding the activities of Scholarbook International.

In an official public notice released on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the federation announced the immediate suspension of all events organised by the entity, citing significant breaches of safety and integrity protocols.

The move comes as a blow to student-athletes seeking international recruitment opportunities, but AK maintains that the suspension is necessary to protect the long-term careers and eligibility of Kenyan runners.

The federation’s decision to halt Scholarbook International’s operations within the country is rooted in a failure to meet essential sporting standards.

According to the press release, the suspension is a direct result of the organisation's inability to follow national and international sporting law.

“Athletics Kenya (AK) wishes to inform all athletes and the entire athletics fraternity that activities organised by Scholarbook International in Kenya are currently suspended by the federation. This suspension is due to non-compliance with Athletics Kenya's mandatory anti-doping regulations and event organisation requirements,” the statement read.

By emphasising "mandatory anti-doping regulations," AK highlights its commitment to the Clean Sport initiative, ensuring that any event held on Kenyan soil adheres to the rigorous testing and reporting standards required by the World Athletics Integrity Unit.

Despite the active suspension, Athletics Kenya noted with concern that Scholarbook International has continued to market upcoming events. Specifically, a recruitment drive planned for Nakuru has been flagged as an unauthorised gathering.

“In direct contravention of this directive, Scholarbook International has proceeded to publicize and organize a ‘time trials/recruitment’ event named ‘Golden ticket training’ scheduled for 12th March 2026 at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, with information circulated through social media platforms,” Athletics Kenya added.

This defiance has prompted the federation to take a more public stance to ensure that athletes are not misled by social media advertisements for the unauthorised Golden ticket event.

Athletics Kenya extended its warning beyond just the athletes, reaching out to coaches, agents, and managers who might be involved in the coordination of these trials.

Participation in unsanctioned events can lead to severe disciplinary actions, including bans from official competitions and the loss of scholarship eligibility.

“Athletics Kenya advises all athletes and Athlete Support Personnel not to participate in this event or in any other activities organised by Scholarbook International until officially communicated otherwise by Athletics Kenya,” the release warns.

The federation further explained the gravity of the situation: “Participation in non-sanctioned events by the federation may expose athletes to regulatory and eligibility risks under national and international athletics governance frameworks. We urge the athletics fraternity to adhere strictly to AK guidelines and to verify the status of events with the federation before committing to participate.”

As Kenya remains under the global microscope regarding anti-doping efforts, Athletics Kenya is taking no chances with third-party organisers.