Kenya has been removed from the compliance watch-list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after successfully meeting the required global anti-doping standards.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya says WADA has confirmed that the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) had fully aligned its operations with the World Anti-Doping Code and relevant international standards, in a press statement issued on March 4, 2026.

The cabinet secretary explained that the decision follows a recommendation by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee, effectively concluding a compliance procedure that began after an audit conducted in May 2024 under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

Mvurya said the government acted promptly to implement corrective measures identified during the audit. ADAK subsequently developed and executed a comprehensive action plan within the required timelines to address the concerns raised.

According to the minister, the reforms strengthened governance and oversight structures, improved operational independence, enhanced results management processes and boosted intelligence and investigations capacity.

The agency has also streamlined the management of athlete whereabouts systems.

He noted that the government treated the issue with urgency, providing policy guidance, administrative support and increased resources to ensure full compliance with the global anti-doping framework. Importantly, Kenya did not face any formal sanctions during the review period.

Mvurya said the removal from the watch-list sends a strong signal to the international sporting community that Kenya remains committed to clean sport, accountability and protecting the integrity of athletics and other disciplines.

“While we celebrate this milestone, we remain fully aware that compliance with the global anti-doping framework is a continuous responsibility,” he said.

He explained that while the removal from the blacklist is welcome, WADA will continue to monitor signatories through its compliance oversight system, which the government welcomes as a mechanism that promotes transparency, credibility and trust in sport.

The cabinet secretary added that the government will continue strengthening anti-doping efforts through sustained investment in testing programmes, intelligence-led investigations, education and awareness campaigns, as well as strong legal and governance frameworks. He commended the leadership and staff of ADAK, intelligence and investigation teams, and other stakeholders for implementing the reforms that led to the positive outcome.

Mvurya emphasised that Kenya’s global sporting reputation has been built on talent, resilience and discipline. He said integrity must remain central to the future of the country’s sport.

Meanwhile, speaking during the closing of the ADAK Anti-Doping Workshop for Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) on February 28 in Mombasa, ADAK Board of Directors Chair Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu said the removal of Kenya from the compliance watch-list marks the successful conclusion of the corrective process.

“I am pleased to officially announce that the compliance procedure concerning Kenya has now been formally closed by WADA. Acting on the recommendation of its Compliance Review Committee, WADA has confirmed the removal of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya from the compliance watch-list,” he said.

The chairman observed that this decision affirms that Kenya’s National Anti-Doping Organisation is fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and applicable international standards, noting that Kenya has undertaken deliberate and comprehensive reforms to strengthen its anti-doping structures.

“This is not merely an administrative milestone. It is a powerful statement to the global sporting community that Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to clean sport, institutional accountability, and international cooperation,” he said.

Maj-Gen (retired) Muthuri pledged that ADAK will continue to strengthen testing systems, enhance investigations, expand education programmes and ensure legal and governance frameworks remain robust, independent and internationally compliant.

He noted that compliance is a continuous obligation, with WADA retaining the mandate to monitor signatories under its ongoing oversight framework, which Kenya welcomes to strengthen transparency and credibility.

He urged sports journalists to report doping cases with technical accuracy and legal sensitivity, distinguish clearly between allegations, provisional suspensions, and final decisions, protect the rights of athletes while safeguarding sport integrity and educate the public on supplement risks, contamination, and the importance of Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Anita Omwenga