WADA Delivers Verdict on Kenya's Anti-Doping Status

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has implemented sweeping reforms and corrective measures that have successfully secured its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliance watchlist.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the ADAK Board of Directors, Maj Gen (Rtd) Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, during the fifth Annual ADAK Anti-Doping Workshop for the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in Mombasa.

Following an audit conducted in May 2024 under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), several areas requiring improvement were identified.

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In response, ADAK developed a comprehensive corrective action plan within the required timelines. Maj Gen Kiugu noted that the measures introduced were deliberate and structured to reinforce the agency’s effectiveness and credibility.

The reforms include strengthened governance and oversight structures, enhanced operational independence, improved results management processes, reinforced intelligence and investigations capacity, and streamlined whereabouts management systems.

These changes were designed to align fully with the World Anti-Doping Code and applicable international standards, ensuring Kenya meets global expectations.

On 30 October 2025, WADA placed ADAK on a compliance watchlist following recommendations from its Compliance Review Committee. The decision required urgent and coordinated action from national authorities.

During this period, no formal non-compliance sanctions were imposed. However, the Kenyan Government treated the matter with seriousness, providing policy direction, administrative backing, and enhanced resource allocation to support the corrective process.

Maj Gen Kiugu emphasised that the collaboration between institutions was key to achieving compliance.

The Chairman confirmed that WADA has now formally closed the compliance procedure concerning Kenya and removed ADAK from the watchlist.

“I am pleased to officially announce that the compliance procedure concerning Kenya has now been formally closed by WADA,” he stated. “This marks the successful conclusion of the corrective process.”

He further affirmed that the decision confirms Kenya’s National Anti-Doping Organisation is fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards.

"Acting on the recommendation of its Compliance Review Committee, WADA has confirmed the removal of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya from the compliance 'watchlist.' This marks the successful conclusion of the corrective process."

According to Kiugu, the milestone is not just administrative but symbolic of Kenya’s commitment to integrity in sport.

“This is not merely an administrative milestone. It is a powerful statement to the global sporting community that Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to clean sport, institutional accountability, and international cooperation.”

While welcoming the progress, Kiugu reminded stakeholders that compliance is an ongoing responsibility. WADA continues to exercise oversight over all signatories, a process Kenya supports.

“Compliance is not a one-time event, it is a continuous obligation,” he said.

He encouraged sports journalists to uphold accuracy and fairness when reporting on doping matters, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between allegations, provisional suspensions, and final rulings.

He also urged media practitioners to protect athletes’ rights while safeguarding the integrity of sport, and to educate the public about supplement risks, contamination issues, and Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

The Government of Kenya has reiterated that clean sport remains a national priority. ADAK plans to continue strengthening testing systems, expanding education programmes, enhancing investigations, and maintaining robust governance structures.