The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has given the Anti-Doping Agency (ADAK) of Kenya 21 days to respond to a charge of non-compliance.

The action follows a May 2024 audit that found serious gaps in Kenya’s anti-doping operations and could lead to sanctions taking effect on 2 October 2025.

WADA’s Formal Notice

WADA’s Executive Committee announced on Thursday, September 11, 2025, that it acted on recommendations from its independent Compliance Review Committee after ADAK failed to meet key requirements identified during the audit.

“Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), the Signatory has 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, as well as the proposed consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency,” the statement read.

The decision and proposed consequences will take effect on 2 October unless Kenya disputes the finding or provides evidence of corrective action before that date.

• The highlighted WADA Consequences of Compliance include:ADAK loses its WADA privileges until reinstatement.
• The Representatives of ADAK are ineligible to participate in any WADA Independent Observer Program, WADA Outreach Program, or other WADA activities.
• ADAK will not receive any WADA funding (either directly or indirectly) related to the development of specific activities or participation in specific programs.

Potential Consequences for Kenya

If the East African nation does not meet WADA’s requirements, ADAK will lose all WADA privileges, including funding and participation in the agency’s programmes.

Representatives from Kenya will also be barred from holding positions on WADA boards or committees.

Further measures could see Kenya declared ineligible to host WADA-sanctioned events at the regional, continental, or global level for as long as the non-compliance continues.

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Such restrictions would impact the country’s athletics calendar and its international sporting profile.

“It is always disappointing when a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code is alleged as non-compliant,” said WADA Director General Olivier Niggli.

“However, it is crucially important for the global system that Anti-Doping Organizations are held to the same high standards that we expect from athletes. We will continue to work with all non-compliant organisations to improve their programmes so they can address their non-conformities and restore their compliance status for the good of athletes, inside those countries and internationally,” he added.

Broader Context

WADA’s non-compliance list currently includes Russia, Sri Lanka, the International Federation of Basque Pelota, and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.

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Kenya’s addition would place it among a small group of signatories failing to meet the global anti-doping code.

While the WADA charge centres on administrative and operational shortcomings rather than proven doping offences, it raises concerns for a nation celebrated for its long-distance running achievements.

Kenya now has until early October to demonstrate it can meet the agency’s stringent standards or risk losing its standing in the international athletics community.

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President William Ruto signing a document. PHOTO/PCS.