Murkomen dismisses doping concerns over Nairobi 2029 bid

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed concerns raised over Nairobi’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, particularly questions surrounding anti-doping rule violations involving Kenyan athletes.

Speaking in Eldoret during the launch of this year’s Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament, Murkomen maintained that the government has been transparent in its fight against doping and has strengthened efforts to address the vice over the years.

“We don’t struggle with doping because we are intentionally supporting it. In fact, doping cases have been highly brought out because we are a very serious country and we do not hide anything,” Murkomen said.

The CS said the government does not condone doping and has intensified efforts to combat the practice by strengthening local institutions such as the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), while working closely with international bodies.

Murkomen also said the government was targeting individuals and networks facilitating doping among athletes.

“The government, through its ministry and the sports fraternity, is working hard to deal with the cartels and the criminals who are running pharmacies or facilities and want to spoil our children. That is why this subject will be very important for us and a proper conversation going forward,” he said.

The former Sports Cabinet Secretary added that the government was taking legal action against those who facilitate doping and ensuring athletes who violate anti-doping rules face sanctions.

He said the government was also supporting sensitization programmes aimed at educating athletes about doping and gender-based violence.