WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) issued the following Press Release on 6 October 2026 following the selection of Nairobi to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships:
“This week, the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Witold Bańka, is in Nairobi, Kenya to meet with anti-doping stakeholders to discuss how to build on recent progress made in strengthening the anti-doping program in Kenya and chart a path forwards. The Director of WADA’s Africa office, Rodney Swigelaar, the Director of WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations (I&I) department, Günter Younger, and the Director of the Office of the President, Rafal Piechota, are part of the Agency’s delegation.
Yesterday, Mr. Bańka met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto, with discussions focused on Kenya's commitment to clean sport and the government’s support of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
Mr. Bańka said: “Kenya proudly calls itself the Home of Champions. But for that home to remain respected and credible, it must also be clean. That is why Kenya needs a strong culture of clean sport, zero tolerance for doping, and a more determined approach to preventing and fighting doping.
“I am encouraged that this message has found clear understanding and support from President Ruto and the Government. A strong and independent Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya is essential to protecting clean athletes and the integrity of Kenyan sport, and it must be properly supported and further strengthened.”
Prior to the visit with President Ruto, the WADA delegation met with the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the Honorable Salim Mvurya, EGH, the Principal Secretary (Sports), Elijah G. Mwangi, CBS, ADAK Board of Directors Chairperson, Major General (Rtd) Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, and the acting ADAK Chief Executive Officer, Peninah W. Wahome, to discuss the current anti-doping landscape in Kenya.
Mr. Swigelaar said: “With the recent announcement that Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, this is a critical time for the Kenyan government and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. A strong anti-doping program in Kenya is important not only for Kenyan sport, but for clean sport across Africa and internationally. Along with ensuring predictable and sufficient resources, with the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) coming into force in just a few months, it is vital that ADAK’s operational independence is safeguarded and that Kenya maintains an effective legislative framework.
“Furthermore, the strength of any anti-doping program depends on the people responsible for delivering it. ADAK personnel must have the expertise, training, and institutional support required to perform at the highest level. Continued investment in the training and development of sample collection personnel and those responsible for planning and managing the testing program is essential. Combined with transparent communication and constructive engagement with athletes and other relevant sporting stakeholders, Kenya can continue to take positive steps ensuring that its anti-doping program is fit for purpose.”
The WADA team also met with ADAK’s management team and board of directors to go over its governance and strategic plan, its compliance with the Code and to identify future priorities.
Major General (Rtd.) Kiugu, said: "It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Bańka to Kenya. His visit comes at an important time for our country and our sporting community, and we are delighted to host him as we continue to strengthen our shared commitment to clean sport. Kenya deeply values its partnership with WADA, and we recognize the important role the Agency plays in bringing the global anti-doping community together to protect the integrity of sport and, most importantly, to protect the rights of clean athletes.
“As the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, we remain committed to ensuring that clean sport is understood not simply as a matter of testing and sanctions, but as a shared responsibility centered on prevention, education, fairness and integrity. We have made significant progress in strengthening Kenya's anti-doping program, but we also recognize that protecting clean sport requires continuous effort, collaboration and vigilance. The presence of the WADA President in Kenya provides an important opportunity to reflect on our progress, listen to our athletes and stakeholders, and identify areas where we can further strengthen our systems.”
Earlier today, Mr. Bańka also held a roundtable discussion with approximately 50 Kenyan athletes from various sporting disciplines, offering them a unique opportunity to hear from him and ask pertinent questions. The session was led by Humphrey Kayange Emonyi, Kenyan Olympian (rugby sevens), member of WADA’s Athlete Council and Executive Committee, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and IOC Athletes' Commission Member. The discussion was hosted by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), and was followed by meetings between WADA, NOCK, and several national federations.”
WADA website: ‘www.wada-ama.org’