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.
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