Kenya is at risk of facing severe consequences from the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) due to a financial crisis affecting the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). During a presentation to the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee on October 23, 2024, ADAK Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shibutse revealed that significant budget cuts from the National Treasury have crippled the agency’s operations.
Shibutse highlighted that the agency is struggling financially, facing the threat of eviction from its premises due to unpaid rent since July. “The landlord has given us a notice because we have not paid rent since July.
The Internet has been disconnected. We are in a dire situation,” she stated. The budget allocation for ADAK has reportedly plummeted to just Ksh20 million, severely limiting its capacity to conduct doping tests and meet its regulatory responsibilities.
The situation is further exacerbated by difficulties in paying staff salaries, raising concerns about ADAK’s ability to fulfill its mandate, which includes testing athletes competing in international events. Shibutse warned that failure to adhere to the required standards could lead WADA to declare Kenya non-compliant, jeopardizing the country’s standing in international athletics.
The agency is tasked with ensuring the integrity of sports in Kenya, including doping tests for rugby and volleyball players participating in upcoming competitions.
In light of these challenges, Shibutse appealed to MPs for assistance in resolving the funding crisis, emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue to avoid detrimental repercussions for Kenyan sports.
The CEO told the Committee that ADAK requires more than Ksh50,000 to conduct a doping test of a single player.
“The ramifications of a declaration of non-compliance by WADA mean that no Kenyan athlete will be eligible to participate in any international competitions,” she told the MPs, indicating that it could affect CHAN 2025 preparations.
“Taking cognizance of the potential pitfalls that may occur, the Agency is therefore pleading with the Committee to intervene and urge the National Treasury to reconsider this funding gap and reinstate the budget for the Agency in order to protect Kenyan athletes and other players and the country at large from facing sanctions,” she added.
MPs vow to intervene
Moved by the story, MPs sitting in the committee vowed to intervene to save the country from sanctions due to non-compliance.
The Committee said it will seek mechanisms of having the Sports Fund disburse money to the agency to give them a lifeline.
“The Committee has noted with concern grave matters raised by the CEO. We will seek ways of having the Sports Fund support the agency financially,” Waqo assured the CEO.
