Kenya removed from WADA compliance watchlist after reforms, says CS Mvurya

Sports CS Salim Mvurya at a past event/SALIM MVURYA

Kenya has been removed from the compliance watchlist of the World Anti-Doping Agency following reforms undertaken by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, the government has announced.

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the decision marked a significant milestone for the country’s sporting sector and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to clean sport.

"The government welcomes and notes with great satisfaction the decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to formally close the compliance procedure concerning Kenya and remove the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) from the compliance ‘watchlist’," CS Mvurya said in a statement.

He said the decision followed a recommendation by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee.

According to the committee, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya had fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and the applicable International Standards.

The development brings to an end the corrective process that followed an audit conducted in May 2024 under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

The Cabinet Secretary said the government responded quickly after the audit identified areas that required corrective measures.

“Following the audit findings, the Government moved swiftly and decisively to address the identified corrective measures,” Mvurya said.

He explained that the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya developed and implemented a comprehensive corrective action plan within the required timelines.

The reforms focused on strengthening governance and oversight structures within the agency. They also enhanced operational independence and improved results management processes.

The corrective plan further reinforced intelligence and investigations capacity while streamlining the management of athlete whereabouts systems.

Mvurya said the government treated the matter with urgency and seriousness throughout the process.

“My Ministry provided firm policy direction, administrative support, and enhanced resource allocation to ensure full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and its International Standards,” he said.

He noted that despite the ongoing review, Kenya did not face formal sanctions.

“Importantly, during this period, no formal non-compliance consequences were imposed on Kenya,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary described Kenya’s removal from the watchlist as an important signal to the international sporting community.

“The removal of Kenya from the compliance watchlist sends a clear and powerful message to the global sporting community: Kenya remains firmly committed to clean sport, institutional accountability, and international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of athletics and all sporting disciplines,” Mvurya said.

However, he emphasised that maintaining compliance with global anti-doping rules remains an ongoing responsibility.

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

Mvurya added that WADA will continue monitoring signatories through its compliance oversight system, a process Kenya supports.

“Kenya welcomes this oversight as a necessary mechanism that strengthens credibility, transparency, and trust in sport,” he said.

The government will continue investing in anti-doping systems to strengthen the fight against doping.

Mvurya said this will include expanded testing programmes, intelligence-led investigations, education and awareness initiatives, and stronger legal and governance frameworks.

He also commended the institutions and stakeholders who contributed to the reforms.

“I wish to commend the leadership and staff of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), our intelligence and investigations teams, and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the corrective measures that led to this outcome,” he said.

Mvurya said Kenya’s sporting reputation must continue to reflect the values that have defined the country’s athletes.

“Kenya’s global sporting reputation has been built on talent, resilience, and discipline,” he said.

“As a nation, we remain unequivocal that the future of Kenyan sport must also be defined by integrity.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the credibility of Kenyan athletes and the country’s reputation in international sport.

“The Government of Kenya, therefore, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to championing clean sport and protecting the credibility of our athletes and our nation on the global stage,” Mvurya said.