State boosts anti-doping war

Deputy President, William Ruto (right) Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario (centre) and the Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa at the launch of the “Chevrolet One World Futbol Project” by on February 12, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • Deputy President William Ruto on Friday reiterated the Government’s commitment in the war against doping, saying the money will help the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) to clean up athletics.
  • Adak was formed in 2013 but has been inactive until late last year when the Government set aside Sh500 million for its operations.
  • Since 2011, over 40 Kenyan athletes have failed drugs tests.
  • On Thursday, the BBC reported that Kenya had missed a deadline this week to prove to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) that it was doing enough to combat doping and could be declared a non-compliant nation.

The Government has committed an additional Sh500 million to fight the doping menace in the country.

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday reiterated the Government’s commitment in the war against doping, saying the money will help the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) to clean up athletics.

Adak was formed in 2013 but has been inactive until late last year when the Government set aside Sh500 million for its operations.

Last year, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario said the Government would enact a law to make doping a criminal offence.

Since 2011, over 40 Kenyan athletes have failed drugs tests.

MAINTAIN INTEGRITY

Ruto challenged athletes to maintain integrity and strive to protect the country’s image.

“We are headed to the Olympics and we don’t want doping issues to derail our preparations.

We will deal with all those who cheat, whether they are officials or athletes,” the Deputy President said.

“Kenya is a country of champions and we have been known to do so in clean way and we shall continue to produce stars but in a transparent and the right way.”

On Thursday, the BBC reported that Kenya had missed a deadline this week to prove to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) that it was doing enough to combat doping and could be declared a non-compliant nation.

Ruto also challenged all stakeholders to step up the fight against the vice.

He who was speaking at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium where he presided over the launch of the Chevrolet One World Futbol Project.

The Deputy President also challenged local sports federations to comply with the Sports Act.

This, he said, would ensure federations are run professionally and would help improve the standards of sports in the country.

FKF SUPPORT

On Football Kenya Federation’s national elections held on Wednesday, Ruto said the Government will work with newly-elected officials to improve the standards of the game locally.

He commended Football Kenya Federation delegates for conducting a free and fair election.

The Chevrolet One World Futbol Project is a partnership between the French car manufacturer, the Ministry of Sports and Football Kenya Federation.

It is aimed at providing a total of 5,700 balls and over 65,000 field markers to needy youth through schools and community projects in 47 counties countrywide.

The programme is also aimed at providing youth with education, life skills and encouraging peaceful conflict resolution among youth living in disadvantaged areas.

Since December 2014, the programme has donated 500,000 balls to 38 African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and Djibouti.