Doping Fight: Ruto Pumps Ksh3.7 Billion After Meeting IAAF President

President William Ruto has announced that his government has set aside Ksh3.7 billion to help in the fight against doping for the next five years.

On Thursday, January 5, he met Sebastian Coe, who is the President of the world athletics body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), at State House in Nairobi.

While stating that the government will go the extra mile in protecting the integrity of athletics, President Ruto and Coe pledged to work together in creating the right frameworks for athletes to succeed.

President Ruto with IAAF President Sebastian Coe, Athletics Kenya (AK) boss Jackson Tuwei (far right) and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba at State House on January 5, 2023. /PCS

“We will collaborate with partners, sportsmen and their contacts to tackle doping that threatens our heritage,” said President Ruto.

The Head of State added that the government was willing to work with Kenya's athletes as well as other stakeholders to deal with the doping menace that almost threatened to destroy the country's reputation.

"We are determined to protect Kenya's reputation and heritage as an athletics powerhouse. We are ready to work together with athletes, their contacts, and partners to confront the doping menace and protect the integrity of our champions.

"We thank the World Athletics for its consideration of Kenya’s situation. Met the President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe at State House, Nairobi; pledged to partner in creating the right frameworks for athletes to thrive," he stated.

Coe was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Athletics Kenya boss Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei and Chief Executive Officer Susan Kamau on Wednesday, January 4. He was expected to hold a meeting with AK officials as well as Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

Coe’s visit comes at a time when the country is grappling with the scourge of doping which has threatened to taint the image of the sport, with Kenya having survived a possible suspension from the World Governing body.

There have been increased cases of doping over the last year with close to 40 bans imposed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The government promised to step up its commitment especially financially to help curb the vice and prevent Kenya from going the Russia way.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Russia a two-year ban, among the most severe sanctions it had given to a country, down from its original four years for its state-sponsored doping program leading up to the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

Kenyan athletes in international competitions who were suspended for doping (left to right): Diana Kipyokei, Marius Kipserem, Philemon Kacheran. /ATHLETICS WEEKLY