Kenya’s global standing in athletics has come under renewed threat after the country’s anti-doping agency revealed that severe budget cuts left it unable to carry out comprehensive testing and support programmes, prompting fears of a worsening doping crisis.

In September 2024, the government cut the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK)’s funding from Sh288 million to Sh20 million — a move that raised immediate concern both locally and internationally.

Athletes, sports officials, and organisations expressed shock and anger, questioning whether the government remained serious about addressing doping, especially when Kenya continues to record an alarming number of violations.

According to Athletics Integrity United, over 100 Kenyan athletes are currently banned for doping offences, threatening the clean image that has long defined the country’s dominance in middle- and long-distance running.

The rise in doping cases has severely damaged Kenya’s sporting reputation, despite the country’s past investments in sports infrastructure, training, and youth talent development.

The country has remained on Wada’s Category A list — the most high-risk group — since 2016 due to continued violations and inadequate control measures.

Adak, formed in 2016 after Wada raised red flags, was instrumental in saving Kenya from an international ban before the Rio Olympics. It was mandated to implement anti-doping policies, educate the sports ecosystem, test athletes, and ensure compliance with global rules.

The agency ramped up testing and advocacy efforts, including sensitising athletes, officials, and journalists on anti-doping regulations. However, the Sh20 million funding in 2024 nearly paralysed its functions.

Adak admitted on June 3 that it was unable to test athletes outside the track and field category during the funding crisis, creating major gaps in monitoring and enforcement.

“Wada raised concerns in its audit of our programmes that other sports were not being adequately covered,” said Adak acting CEO Peninah Wahome.

The agency warned that the reduced funds also hindered athlete support services and international collaboration, all crucial elements in fighting doping.

As the crisis deepened, Wada’s Africa Office Director, Rodney Swigelaar, met Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi in October 2024. The discussions focused on strengthening Adak programmes and restoring credibility to Kenya’s anti-doping campaign.

Murkomen assured Wada that Kenya would increase the budget to support clean sports. Following that promise, Adak’s budget was revised to Sh185 million, as announced by acting chairman Joseph Kagunda and Wahome on June 3.

Wahome said the increased funds would help the agency cover all sports and implement a more inclusive anti-doping strategy. But she also acknowledged that the figure remained well below the 2022/23 allocation and insufficient for the scale of the work required.

High-profile doping cases involving Jemimah Sumgong and Asbel Kiprop, who both tested positive for erythropoietin within a year of each other, continue to fuel concern globally and increase scrutiny of Kenya’s response.

The situation has placed clean athletes in a difficult position, with their efforts at risk of being overshadowed by continued violations and weak enforcement.

Unless Kenya fully restores funding and support for Adak, the country could face harsher international measures, further damage to its image, and lasting effects on its athletic achievements.