NAIROBI, Kenya, November 11 – The Government has finally commissioned the Anti-Doping Task Force requested by World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to investigate doping cases in the country.
Cabinet secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Hassan Wario, rolled-out the 11-member committee chaired by Professor Moni Wekesa to beat the Wada November deadline given to Kenya to investigate the alleged spike in doping cases or risk being black-listed.
The committee has two months to submit its report with the development coming 24 hours before the start of the Wada Conference in South Africa where the country’s inaction in investigating alleged cases was to feature.
The committee will probe people involved in drugs, identify persons or institutions linked to doping, access to drugs and related substances among athletes within the country, make recommendations on the legal structures that could eliminate the use and abuse of drugs among others.
“Doping has evolved to become a major threat to global sport, its for this reason that my ministry views these doping allegation as an opportunity for Kenya to put in place a comprehensive programme that will protect our athletes against doping and reserve the spirit of fair play in sports.
“Kenyans are under microscope for the good performance internationally, and to maintain credibility, we have to ensure that the anti-doping measures are fully in place.
“We need to ensure intelligent testing is being planted to effectively detect doping and also limit the supply of doping substances,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
A delegation of Government officials will leave tonight for South Africa to attend the four day Wada congress.
Wario urged all stakeholders from the Government, national federations, coaches, sports medical personnel, athletes, law enforcement agencies and Anti-Doping Organizations to give the committee all the support they need to fulfil their mandate.
The function was attended by head of sports federations including, Athletics, Football, Rugby, Volleyball, Hockey, Boxing and National Olympics Committee- Kenya, chairman Dr Kipchoge Keino.
Since January 2012, 17 Kenyan runners have been suspended for doping violations, including the captain of the national team for the Punta Umbria World Cross, Matthew Kiosorio who was sanctioned for steroid use.