This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Kenya's reputation as a nation of world-class athletes is built on the hard work and talent of its runners. However, the country's doping problem has raised concerns about the integrity of its sports industry.
According to a 2018 report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), 138 Kenyan athletes were found to have doped between 2004 and August 2018. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) was established in response to this report and has since increased the number of anti-doping tests administered from 100 in 2016 to 1,150 in 2018.
ADAK's 'Stay Clean, Win Right' campaign has raised awareness of the health perils of doping across the nation. However, the temptation to dope remains strong, particularly in a country where becoming a top athlete can bring significant monetary prizes.
As President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized, achieving the Big Four Agenda requires a commitment to fair play and honesty. To achieve this, adults must lead by example and show young people that the only real win is a clean win, fair and square.
Ultimately, it is up to citizens to hold each other accountable and to promote a culture of honesty in sports. By doing so, Kenya can maintain its reputation as a nation of talented and trustworthy athletes.
