Kenya risks WADA non-compliance after ADAK budget cuts

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) operations have “stopped” following major cuts in government funding.

Speaking in a press briefing on Tuesday, ADAK chairperson Amb. Daniel Makdwallo revealed that the agency was allocated Ksh.20m this financial year by the National Treasury, which represents a significant reduction from Ksh.288m from the previous year.

The severe slash of funds is of significant concern, as the agency can no longer undertake its core mandates, which include testing, education, results management, and I&I.

The “move has grounded the agency, and we are not able to fulfill our obligations, hence risking non-compliance to the World Anti-Doping Code,” the chairman said.

If found non-compliant with WADA rules, Kenya could suffer far-reaching consequences, including ineligibility to host international sporting events and having her athletes banned from competing on the world stage.

Makdwallo fears the country’s progress in anti-doping is in jeopardy and urges the national treasury to reconsider the funding gap.

The agency has recently been unable to conduct routine testing, with the last major campaign being done before the Paris Games.

ADAK CEO Sarah Shibutse says Kenya’s 2025 African Nations Football Championship hosting is at “immediate risk” if urgent action isn’t taken.

The chairman called for a balance in funding, questioning the commitment to build new stadiums if their athletes won’t be able to compete in them in international events.