Sports CS Lauds ADAK’s Reforms After Kenya’s Removal from WADA Watchlist

Kenya has been officially removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) compliance watchlist following a series of successful reforms undertaken by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the government announced.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has hailed the decision as a major milestone for the nation's sporting sector and a testament to Kenya's dedication to clean competition.

"The government welcomes and notes with great satisfaction the decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to formally close the compliance procedure concerning Kenya," Mvurya stated through a statement.

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He confirmed that the move followed a recommendation from WADA’s Compliance Review Committee, which found ADAK to be fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and its international standards.

This development concludes a corrective process initiated after a WADA audit in May 2024 identified several areas needing improvement. Mvurya emphasised the government's swift response to the findings.

"Following the audit findings, the Government moved swiftly and decisively to address the identified corrective measures," he said, explaining that ADAK implemented a comprehensive action plan within the stipulated timeframe.

The reforms focused on several key areas, including strengthening governance and oversight, enhancing operational independence, and improving results management. The plan also bolstered intelligence and investigation capabilities and streamlined the management of athlete whereabouts systems.

Mvurya highlighted the government's commitment throughout the process. "My Ministry provided firm policy direction, administrative support, and enhanced resource allocation to ensure full compliance," he noted, adding that Kenya faced no formal sanctions during the review period.

The Cabinet Secretary described the removal from the watchlist as a powerful signal to the international sporting community. "Kenya remains firmly committed to clean sport, institutional accountability, and international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of athletics and all sporting disciplines," he declared.

While celebrating the achievement, Mvurya stressed that maintaining compliance is an ongoing responsibility. "We remain fully aware that compliance with the global anti-doping framework is a continuous obligation," he said, welcoming WADA's continued oversight as a mechanism to build trust and transparency.

Looking ahead, the government plans to continue investing in its anti-doping infrastructure. This includes expanding testing programmes, conducting intelligence-led investigations, promoting education and awareness, and reinforcing legal frameworks.

Mvurya concluded by reaffirming the nation's dedication to upholding its sporting legacy, which he said was "built on talent, resilience, and discipline."

"As a nation, we remain unequivocal that the future of Kenyan sport must also be defined by integrity," he said. "The Government of Kenya, therefore, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to championing clean sport and protecting the credibility of our athletes and our nation on the global stage."