Athletics Kenya introduces new medical guidelines for Kenyan stars

Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei addressing reporters at Riadha House in Nairobi on January 10, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • In a move aimed at curbing the doping menace in the country, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei on Tuesday said KDN will tentatively comprise a pool of five doctors before it is expanded.

Elite Kenyan athletes will now have to get clearance from the newly formed Kenya Doctors Network (KDN) before seeking any medical attention anywhere.

In a move aimed at curbing the doping menace in the country, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei on Tuesday said KDN will tentatively comprise a pool of five doctors before it is expanded.

Lt-Gen Tuwei said AK has prepared a pool of 109 elite athletes who will benefit from the medical network and warned that any athlete who fails to comply will not represent Kenya in competitions.

Lt-Gen Tuwei said they have convened a meeting of athletes, coaches and managers on January 17 in Eldoret to explain the new development. He added that the move has the full support of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

The doctors, who will be spread across the country, are Victor Bargoria, David Muhindi, Fredrick Kipkorir, Mwithia Ngundo, Wycliffe Koskei and Castro Mugalla.

Lt-Gen said they have drafted rules that will govern KDN operations and will be in operation by January 23 this year.

"These regulations will take care of our top-level runners and should limit bad practices as far as doping is concerned," he said when he addressed a press conference at Riadha House in Nairobi on Tuesday.

"We therefore ask out athletes and their managers to comply. We believe that are flexible and not punitive."