NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 30 – Kenya has escaped a possible ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit over increased doping cases with World Athletics boss Seb Coe announcing that they received assurances from the government over their fight against the vice.
There had been rumour that Kenya was in line for a possible ban from the AIU and World Athletics after an increase in the number of doping bans over the last three months, but Coe, in a press briefing on Wednesday evening, said Kenya will not be suspended or banned.
“There has been a lot of reportage over the last few weeks, some correct some not correct,” Coe said
He added; “Following a conversation with the Kenyan Sports Minister, we have been assured that Kenya will make some real progress. I want to thank the AIU and my team and of course Athletics Kenya under its president Jack Tuwei for the commitment they have made.”
Coe further stated; “I received a letter from the Sports Minister that the Government has confirmed an agreement to add a further 5mn dollars per year over five years to fund more people, more tests, more investigations and also boost the comprehensive education program.”
Kenya has been increasingly under the scope due to increased doping cases with up to six bans over the last two months.
With an AIU report further putting Kenya on the hot seat, Ababu moved with speed to try resolve the issue and his government commitment seemed to have lowered the pressure on the country.
Coe has however said that there will be more work to be done if Kenya has to win the trust back.
He said; “Building back trust will be a long journey. The Kenyan Association and the Government have definitely agreed that it has been a disfiguring period for Kenyan athletics and I am really delighted because all stakeholders are now aligned in coming together to do everything we can to resolve this situation.”
As at now, Kenya remains in Category ‘A’ of the World Anti-Doping Agency and both the AIU and World Athletics will be casting a keen eye to ensure that the promised work is done.
Athletics Kenya has been engaging in vigorous education programs across the country, especially targeting young athletes in a bid to curb the vice and stem it at a young age.
