Kenya’s outstanding performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where the country secured seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, has been hailed as a testament to its commitment to clean athletics.

Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium during an inspection of the ongoing tartan track works, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to maintain the nation’s global reputation for fair competition.

Anti-doping reforms and funding

CS Mvurya outlined comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing ADAK’s efficiency. “The government is providing an action plan and commitment beginning with the supplementary budget to allocate additional funding for ADAK in this financial year,” he stated.

The National Treasury has committed to ring-fencing resources to ensure ADAK has sustainable funding to carry out its mandate.

The agency is also undergoing restructuring to strengthen its board and technical personnel, aligning with international standards. “We are reviewing the organogram to bring on board the right experts needed to enhance ADAK’s efficiency and effectively manage anti-doping programs in Kenya,” read the statement dated October 3, 2025.

Progress on global compliance

Kenya has addressed 30 out of 35 compliance issues raised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and submitted a corrective action plan for the remaining five. “We are in constant communication with WADA on the implementation of the corrective action plan. We expect a positive response in the coming months,” Mvurya said, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Kenyan sports.

The Tokyo championships underscored Kenya’s clean athletics, with the Athletics Integrity Unit confirming that all athletes received a clean bill of health. Leading the medal haul was Faith Kipyegon, who claimed her fourth world 1500m title, followed by Beatrice Chebet (two golds), Peres Jepchirchir, Lilian Odira, Faith Cherotich, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who won Kenya’s sole men’s gold in the 800m.

Recognition and infrastructure

On October 2, 2025, President William Ruto hosted the Tokyo medallists at State House, awarding cheques under the new sports reward scheme. Gold medallists received Ksh3 million each, silver Ksh2 million, and bronze Ksh1 million, complementing World Athletics prize money.

The Nyayo Stadium tartan track, now 90 percent complete, will further modernise Kenya’s sports infrastructure and ensure it meets international hosting standards.