Athletics great Keino calls for radical antidoping programs to redeem Kenya's legacy

Speaking with the wisdom of a pioneer who helped shape Kenya’s global athletics dominance, Keino emphasized that the fight against doping must begin early, long before athletes reach elite levels.

“I would like to advise our athletes about doping, but we must start at the grassroots level in schools,” Keino said. “We need to educate young people against the use of performance-enhancing drugs and make them understand that these substances are not only harmful to their bodies but also damage the reputation of our nation.”

His remarks come as Kenya continues to battle doping concerns, with growing pressure on institutions to reinforce integrity in sport. For Keino, the solution lies not just in punishment, but in prevention, embedding values and awareness in young athletes across all disciplines.

Beyond the anti-doping message, Keino also highlighted a broader vision for the future of Kenyan sport: one that expands opportunities and nurtures well-rounded individuals.

“The differences in athletics today are great because talent is now coming from all regions of the country,” he noted. “That makes us very happy as veterans. However, we would like to see more sports introduced in schools from primary to university level.”

Keino stressed that talent alone is not enough. He called on young athletes to prioritize education alongside sport, pointing out the life-changing opportunities that result from combining the two.

“There are many who have gone abroad and improved themselves academically through sport while also developing their talent,” he said. “That balance is very important.”

As the country continues to celebrate its rich sporting heritage, Keino’s words serve as both a warning and a roadmap—protect the integrity of sport, invest in youth development, and ensure that the next generation carries the Kenyan flag with pride, both in competition and in character.