World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed satisfaction on Wednesday with Kenya’s progress in addressing doping issues that had threatened its reputation in global sports.
Coe, who met with Kenyan officials in Nairobi, praised the country for the significant strides made since his last visit in January 2023, when he warned of a “long journey” ahead.
Kenya has made major investments to clean up its image, including a $25 million initiative over five years, following a series of doping scandals around the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In addition to the funding, Kenya has increased anti-doping personnel, testing, investigations, and education efforts.
“We are moving in the right direction,” Coe said, acknowledging the improvements in Kenya’s anti-doping systems. However, he noted the country is still recovering from its past issues.
Since 2017, nearly 130 Kenyan athletes, primarily long-distance runners, have been sanctioned for doping offenses.
The country handed out its first lifetime ban in June to marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich, alongside a six-year ban for 10km record-holder Rhonex Kipruto.
Coe emphasised that while the number of sanctioned athletes could continue to rise, it reflects the success of Kenya’s testing system.
