WADA President Witold Bańka with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on October 5, 2026./PCSPresident William Ruto has announced plans to strengthen Kenya’s anti-doping framework as the country aligns its laws with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and Rules ahead of new regulations taking effect in January 2027.
Ruto said Kenya was working closely with WADA to safeguard the integrity of the country’s sports and ensure athletes compete in a clean environment.
WADA President Witold Bańka with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on October 5, 2026./PCSThe President made the remarks after holding talks with WADA President Witold Bańka at State House, Nairobi.
He said Kenya has continued to strengthen its anti-doping framework since domesticating the anti-doping law in 2016, with changes being made to respond to emerging challenges.
“Currently, we are aligning the current law with WADA's World Anti-Doping Code and Rules to be operationalised in January 2027,” Ruto said.
As part of the broader crackdown, Ruto said the Anti-Narcotics Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations would become an integral part of efforts to combat doping.
The move comes as Kenya seeks to protect its reputation as a leading athletics nation while strengthening measures against the use of prohibited substances in sport.
Ruto also linked the anti-doping measures to the Government’s wider efforts to revitalise the sports sector and create more opportunities for young people.
He said the government was investing heavily in sports infrastructure to support talent development and enable young Kenyans to benefit from their skills.
“In our efforts to revitalise sports in our country, we are investing heavily in infrastructure to grow talent and ensure our young people benefit from their talents and skills,” he said.
The President said continued cooperation with WADA would remain central to Kenya’s efforts to maintain clean sport and strengthen the country’s anti-doping regime.
