Bach to push for agency’s funding boost in talks with President Ruto

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has said he will hold talks with President Ruto on Friday to discuss how the government can increase the Anti-doping Agency of Kenya’s (ADAK) funding.

The agency’s budget for the 2024 financial year was slashed from Sh288 million to Sh20 million, prompting ADAK to call for government intervention.

Speaking during a meeting with federations under the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Bach emphasised that restoring ADAK’s funding is top in his itinerary in his visit to Kenya.

“We understand that ADAK’s funding relies heavily on government support. This issue is at the top of my agenda in my visit,” Bach stated.

“I will engage President Ruto on how the government can increase ADAK’s budget to ensure the country’s compliance with international anti-doping standards,” he added.

The significant budget cuts have threatened to cripple ADAK’s operations, putting Kenya at risk of non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

 Bach emphasised that restoring ADAK’s funding is top in his itinerary in his visit to Kenya.

The Olympic solidarity budget for 2024-2028 grew by 10 per cent to Sh84 billion ($650 million) up from Sh76.3 billion ($590 million) in 2021-2024. “

The budget increase gives the IOC more opportunities to strengthen athlete-focused programmes and support initiatives managed by NOC-K,” Bach said.

He praised Kenya’s ongoing efforts to elevate athlete-centred programmes, which were evident at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

“Kenya’s outstanding performance in Paris showcases its immense potential, even amid global challenges,” Bach remarked.

In Paris, Kenya topped the African medal standings with 11 medals (four gold, two silver and five bronze).

Kenya was second in terms of athletics medals won trailing only the USA who amassed 34 medals ( 14 gold, 11 silver and nine bronze).

“With continued support, I envision Kenya reaching even greater heights at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.”

The IOC president underscored the significance of collaboration with National Olympic committees worldwide.

“Athletes aren’t just part of the Olympic movement—they are the heart of it.  The success we witnessed in Paris was a testament to the strong partnerships with national Olympic committees worldwide,” he said.

Meanwhile, NOC-K President Paul Tergat welcomed Bach’s visit as historic, especially coming just over a month after the Paris Olympics.

“I extend my warm welcome to the IOC President to the country of Kenya.”

“Kenya’s Olympic family is deeply honoured by President Bach’s visit, which reflects the strong, longstanding relationship between NOC-K and the IOC,” Tergat said.

Tergat said the IOC President’s visit signified Kenya’s long-standing relationship with the international body.

“His timely visit signifies the cordial long-standing relationship between NOC-K and IOC,” he said.

"This is especially because NOC-K has been an active member and participant of the Olympic Games over the years as well as promoters of Olympic values in our territory.”