This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Athletics Kenya (AK) is urging local athletes to train clean and avoid banned substances.
On Monday, AK Director of Youth and Development Barnaba Korir issued a stern warning to athletes, cautioning them against using substances that may affect their performances even as they train in isolation at home.
"Athletes will be tested even at this time that there is no competition and I urge them to avoid banned substance, and to train clean always. We don't want Kenya to go the Russian way and we are working hard to fight the doping menace," said Korir.
According to Korir, athletes must also declare their whereabouts to avoid being suspended, as failure to do so is an offence, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
"Athletes must give their whereabouts because that is another thing which has led to the suspension of athletes. That's carelessness and we are trying to talk to the athletes to always follow the laid down rules in order to be in the right track," he said.
As part of efforts to eradicate doping, AK will engage retired athletes and elite athletes in a webinar with AIU this week.
Meanwhile, in Nandi County, Chief Sports Officer Kennedy Tanui has announced plans to introduce a Bill that will criminalise doping in the region.
According to Tanui, if signed into law, the Bill will see people dealing in performance-enhancing drugs and complicit athletes being jailed.
"Nandi County has been known as the source of champions and we want to preserve that legacy. The county assembly is working on a bill that will ensure those using drugs are punished," said Tanui.
Additionally, Nandi County has finalised a programme that will enable 12 athletes preparing for Diamond League races to use the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex track.
