Kenya Must Be 'Clean' For 2029 Championships
Wada chief Witold Banka demands zero tolerance on doping after 140 Kenyan athletes are suspended since 2017
Witold Banka, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), has stated that Kenya must demonstrate it can be a 'clean' home of athletics to retain its credibility as it prepares to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Banka made the comments after a three-day visit to Nairobi where he held talks with President William Ruto and other officials.
Kenya was awarded the 2029 World Athletics Championships in September, making it the first African country selected to host the event. However, the country has a long-running doping problem, with more than 140 Kenyan athletes, predominantly distance runners, suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit since 2017.
Banka received a clear commitment from President William Ruto's government to a policy of zero tolerance towards doping. He also discussed strengthening an independent Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) and ensuring it has sufficient government support with President Ruto.
The lack of a Wada-accredited doping control laboratory in Africa is also a concern, after the facility in Bloemfontein, South Africa was suspended in March 2024 and its accreditation was formally revoked in May 2025. This highlights the need for Kenya to establish a robust anti-doping system ahead of the 2029 Championships.
## Why it matters The 2029 World Athletics Championships will be a crucial test of Kenya's ability to protect its sporting legacy. With the eyes of the world on Nairobi, the country must demonstrate its commitment to clean sport. The championships will provide a global platform for Kenya to showcase its athletic prowess, but also to prove that it can host a major sporting event without the taint of doping. If Kenya fails to deliver, it risks damaging its reputation and undermining the integrity of the sport.
The visit by Witold Banka is a significant step towards addressing the doping problem in Kenya. His discussions with President Ruto and other officials demonstrate a willingness to work together to tackle the issue. However, as Banka noted, 'action speaks louder than words', and it remains to be seen whether Kenya can deliver on its promises and establish a clean and credible athletic programme.
## What happens next The road to the 2029 World Athletics Championships will be crucial in determining Kenya's success in tackling doping. Wada will monitor the situation closely, and the country's progress will be under scrutiny from the international sporting community. With the championships just a few years away, Kenya must act quickly to establish a robust anti-doping system and demonstrate its commitment to clean sport.
The success of the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi will depend on Kenya's ability to provide a clean and fair environment for athletes to compete. The country has a unique opportunity to showcase its athletic talent and prove its commitment to clean sport. If it fails, the consequences could be severe, not just for Kenya, but for the sport as a whole.
