Acting Director of Standards & Compliance at ADAK Martin Yauma/ HANDOUT

In the fight against doping in Kenya, journalists are emerging as key defenders of integrity, tasked with shaping public understanding and protecting the credibility of athletes and the nation’s sporting reputation.

Speaking during the sixth ADAK Anti-Doping Media Workshop in Mombasa, Martin Yauma, Acting Director of Standards & Compliance at the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), stressed that media professionals play a pivotal role beyond reporting events.
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“As journalists, you are not just chroniclers of sport — you are shapers of narratives, custodians of public trust and powerful partners in promoting integrity within sport,” Yauma said. “Accurate reporting, awareness and informed public discourse are vital to ensuring the anti-doping framework succeeds.”
Yauma explained that anti-doping in Kenya is anchored on the principles of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the global framework under the World Anti-Doping Code.
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“Your reporting influences how athletes, federations, policymakers and the public understand doping violations, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), testing procedures and results management,” he added.
The two-day workshop is designed to demystify anti-doping regulations, clarify legal frameworks and strengthen collaboration between ADAK and the media.
“We aim to equip journalists with clear, factual and practical knowledge that enhances accurate, ethical and balanced reporting,” Yauma said.
James Waindi, President of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), underscored the wider significance of the initiative.
“Sports, particularly athletics, are a cornerstone of national pride and a major economic driver," said Waindi. This workshop is a critical intervention for the country’s sporting future. By the end of the two days, journalists should be familiar with the 2026 WADA Prohibited List and anti-doping terminology to report responsibly on violations.”
The programme equips journalists with technical knowledge and investigative tools to navigate Kenya’s evolving anti-doping landscape while reducing legal risks for media houses.
Over the past six years, ADAK and SJAK have partnered to ensure the fourth estate can effectively communicate anti-doping issues and uphold the integrity of sport.
“As Kenya continues to make its mark on the global stage, protecting our athletes’ credibility and the nation’s sporting reputation is not optional — it is imperative,” Yauma concluded.
“Let this workshop mark a stronger partnership between ADAK and the sports media in promoting transparency, accountability and clean competition.”