World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka visited Nairobi to inspect Kenya’s anti-doping systems ahead of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, warning officials that the nation must prove it runs clean sport to protect its credibility.
World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a high-level visit focused on the state of sport integrity in the country. The trip follows Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, a milestone that makes it the first African nation chosen to stage the global event. But that honor brings intense oversight for a nation grappling with a long-running doping problem. Landing in the country on a Sunday morning for his first trip there since taking up the WADA presidency, the international official expressed his pleasure at being in the nation he described as the home of champions, while thanking his hosts for their reception.
Banka Meets Ruto and Sports Officials in Nairobi
The itinerary also brought the agency leader together with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya to assess current progress.
Discussions centered on reinforcing national anti-doping policies, safeguarding sport integrity, and ensuring that the local anti-doping agency maintains independence with sufficient government backing. Banka also sat down directly with athletes to gather their input on shaping future policy, viewing these direct engagements as a key component of building a strong framework.
Zero Tolerance Demanded Before the 2029 World Championships
More than 140 Kenyan athletes, primarily distance runners, have faced suspensions from the Athletics Integrity Unit since 2017.
Kenya calls itself probably ‘home of champions’, but every home has to have a good host and has to be clean to be credible. We absolutely need to instill the culture of clean sport.
Witold Banka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency
Banka added a blunt warning regarding international observation. Wada will monitor this situation and observe the dynamic. Action speaks louder than words,
he said. He wrapped up his itinerary with a media briefing to share his final assessment of the discussions held during his stay.