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For the sixth year running, Kenya remains in category A of the global body’s watch-list of countries with a high prevalence of doping cases, Athletics Kenya (AK) revealed yesterday. 

The new development comes as a big blow to AK, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the ministry of Sports who have been working towards cleaning the tainted image of the sport in the country. 

As a result of the latest categorisation of nations by the World Athletics, AK has warned that athletes invited to June’s national trials for the World Championship slated for July 15–24 in Eugene, Oregon (USA) must have undergone three out-of-competition testing before the championships within ten months. 

Testing requirement

Under the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) rule 15.3, athletes hailing from countries in category A of the watch-list are subjected to a rigorous test before the World Athletics Championships. 

AK president Jackson Tuwei while addressing the press at Riadha House yesterday said besides the testing requirement for category A countries, attending educational seminars and hitting qualification marks are the other mandatory factors that will be looked at for those seeking to represent Kenya at the Championships. 

“We might be looking at a scenario whereby we shall be taking a smaller team to the World Championships, I am not saying that is what will happen but all the laid down requirements must be adhered to,” Tuwei warned. 

“The federation will ensure that all athletes who have not attained the measures don’t go to the national trials,” Tuwei said  

His remarks shadowy pointing to the 2019 case of Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiu who were both dropped from the final team to the Doha World Championships after failing to meet anti-doping requirements. 

Additionally, last year’s Tokyo Olympics team had the same situation with 1500m runner Kamar Etiang, who finished second at the national trials being dropped for not complying with AIU doping measures, Tuwei said the federation will be thorough. 

“The rules and regulations are there for everyone to see and adhere to. Despite the sustained efforts to contain the doping menace, Kenya remains a hotbed of drug cheats in the latest categorisation of nations by the World Athletics,” added Tuwei while warning dopers that they have got nowhere to hide and will be exposed while also vowing to push for the criminalization of the vice.