Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has called on athletes refrain from doping noting that it is important to promote clean sport.
Speaking during the 2019 athlete Annual Conference in Eldoret town on Friday, Mohamed said it is unfortunate that Kenya has in recent times come under global scrutiny due to increased cases of doping noting that a single case of doping can ruin the reputation of the country.
“I encourage athletes to read and embrace the Anti-Doping Act 2016, the Rules and Regulations of Anti-doping and the Revised World Anti-doping code which comes into effect in 2021,” said the sports CS.
She reiterated that Kenya must reclaim, retain her dignity and high esteem as one of Africa’s standard-bearers in ethical sporting.
Mohamed further said that the era of only holding athletes responsible for doping is drawing to an end.
“We must evaluate the entire ecosystem and hold culpable athletes, trainers, managers, agents, and medical personnel into account,” added the CS, Sports.
She revealed that the Ministry has commenced an evaluation of the Sports and Anti-Doping laws.
The Sports CS proposed that athletes who fail in the anti-doping tests carried out by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya(ADAK) be barred from representing Kenya in any competition in future.
She says this will promote positive values among young and upcoming athletes, especially in schools, to foster fair play.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago called on athletes to name and shame chemists and doctors involved in doping noting that such individuals must be arrested and charged.