Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and World Athletics president Seb Coe held discussions on Thursday pertaining to critical issues affecting Kenyan athletics, primarily doping.
Speaking with the press afterwards, Namwamba reiterated Kenya’s commitment to eradicating the doping vice by whatever means possible and thanked the world governing body for their relentless support.
“Let me thank you in a special way for listening to the Kenyan government on our plan and intention to eradicate doping among our Kenyan athletes. I assure you that doping is not state-sponsored and we welcome the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) guidance regarding what we have to do,” the CS said.
Namwamba also appraised Lord Coe on the plans undertaken thus far in the war against doping.
“We have already commenced the rollout of a grand plan to rid our sporting arena of doping. This plan brings together all relevant stakeholders in athletics including Athletics Kenya, Anti doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), our investigative agencies and legislative arms of government as well as the Ministry of Health,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, Coe – who also held a meeting with President William Ruto in State House, Nairobi – expressed his satisfaction with the commitment shown by the top echelons of government.
“He (President Ruto) confirmed that current plans to fight doping have his blessing and his drive and crucially, should I add, he said that no effort will be spared. So today is an important moment to reaffirm our commitment as World Athletics, through AIU, to standing with you…the federation (Athletics Kenya), and our representative for the doping agency (ADAK). And I know the AIU in Monaco have seen it and confirmed that it has merit, purpose and direction,” Coe said.
The president further urged all stakeholders to maintain the same commitment when it comes to implementing the plan, adding that it should be monitored regularly to see whether it is making the right progress.
Also present was AK president Jack Tuwei who said the roadmap was necessary to guiding future efforts to eradicate doping and encourage a clean sport.
“You are aware we had a meeting the other day and we came up with a roadmap on how to fight against doping. This is necessary to guide us on what we are going to do in the future in the war against doping…to ensure it becomes a thing of the past,” Tuwei said.
Info : Athletics Kenya