Kenya to extend war on doping beyond athletes, says Amina

Kenya to extend war on doping beyond athletes, says Amina

Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage, Amb. Amina Mohamed has assured the National Anti Doping Associations (NADO) that Kenya’s government will adopt a holistic approach in dealing with doping in the country which will involve casting the net beyond athletes to all other actors in the sports industry.

Speaking during the official opening of the 5th World Conference on Doping in Sport which is taking place in Katowice, Poland, the CS said the Ministry will propose new legislation that will enable the prosecution of doping accomplices in addition to the athletes.

“The era of holding only athletes responsible for doping is drawing to an end. Trainers, managers and agents must also take their responsibilities seriously,” said the CS.

“Athletes do not live and train in isolation. They are part of the entourage and must be treated as such. Accomplices must also be held accountable,” she added.

If passed into law, coaches, managers, sports agents and other connected persons will be barred from practising in Kenya and potentially jailed for taking part in any form of doping.

“Our view of doping as a country resonates with the position of the IOC that any successful anti-doping regime must clean up the entire sports ecosystem to guarantee fair play and clean sport,” affirmed the CS.

To further strengthen anti-doping, Amb. Amina Mohamed said NADOs and Public Authorities should put in place structures and mechanisms for the protection of whistle-blowers who come forward to provide information on doping.

The Conference brings together representatives from the sports movement, public authorities and anti-doping organizations, athletes and other anti-doping experts to review the evolution of clean sport and engage in high-level discussions on the world anti-doping program.

Key on the agenda of the Conference is debate on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and its related International Standards.

The Code and the Standards have undergone a two year review process and will be presented for discussion by stakeholders during the Conference.

The Code will subsequently be presented for approval by WADA’s Foundation Board while the Standards will be presented for endorsement by WADA’s Executive Committee.

During the conference the Foundation Board will also elect a new President and Vice-President to replace British man Sir Craig Reedie & Linda Helleland of Norway.

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doping Amina Mohamed athletes managers National Anti Doping Associations (NADO)

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