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Doping cases in Kenya shall reduce significantly if a report made by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to curb the vice is any guide.

In the meantime, ADAK reported that there were 37 Anti-Doping Rule violation cases in the country, between October 1, 2022 and October 31, 2023.

Whilst ADAK listed athletics, bodybuilding, basketball and rugby as the major sports affected by the iniquity, the organization said proactive measures have been put in place to catch offenders. The body also launched a crackdown on November 11 in Nandi, aimed at nabbing athletes dodging anti-doping personel in an ongoing massive testing.

Stanley Mwakio of ADAK’s Corporation Secretarial and Legal Services Department said doping detection technology had already made significant strides six years ago but pointed out that it was not advanced as it is today.

“Analytical advancements have contributed to increased accuracy in determining the presence of specific substances, including synthetic and endogenous steroids,” said Mwakio He added: “ The present era showcases even greater technological advancements, with new detection methods and, critically, the implementation of a robust biological passport system.”

This advanced testing has resulted in a more significant number of doping cases being identified thus aiding in the fight against doping.

African 800 metres champion Jarinter Mwasya, Michael Njenga Kunyuga and marathoner Titus Ekiru were among the 37 athletes suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in the last one year.

Ekiru tested positive for Triamcinolone Acetonide after winning in Milan but was not immediately charged after claiming the test result was due to legitimate medical treatment. He tested positive for Pethidine after winning in Abu Dhabi, and again claimed the outcome resulted from legitimate medical treatment.

In football, two Harambee Stars players were red-carded by Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) following a report that implicated them in the use of banned substances.

The two players, Tusker FC midfielder Teddy Osok and his Bandari FC counterpart Whyvonne Isuza were separately sanctioned by ADAK for violation of rules.

According to a report by ADAK following their investigation, Osok was found to have abused a banned substance, Boldenone.

On the other hand, Isuza was not tested and thus charged with refusing to submit to sample collection without a compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized person as per Article 2.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code 2021.