Adak and KDN clash over anti-doping role

Physiotherapists Peter Nduhiu and victor Bargoria (right)

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) has reacted to Kenya Doctors Network’s (KDN) bid to discharge certain roles in the fight against use of prohibited substances.

Yesterday, Adak said they welcomed Athletics Kenya’s move to constitute KDN but warned it should not take up Adak’s roles.

“Adak acknowledges the efforts being made by National Federations and specifically Athletics Kenya in setting up a Kenyan Doctors Network (KDN) as a way of ensuring that their members do not fall into the hands of unscrupulous, corrupt, unethical or quack medical doctors who may expose the athletes to Anti-Doping Rules Violations (ADRVs).

“However, KDN should not in any way take over the mandate of ADAK or replace the institutions and committees within the Agency charged with offering professional expertise such as the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC),” read a statement signed by Adak CEO Japhter Rugut.

On Monday, AK unveiled six doctors working under KDN and issued regulations governing elite athletes. The doctors are Dr Victor Bargoria, Dr Muhindi David, Dr Muithya Ngundo, Dr Fredrick Kirui, Dr Wyclife Kosgei Kipkurui and Dr Castro Mugalla.

There was no representation from Adak in the KDN’s seminar in Eldoret on Monday. Adak’s reactions seem to clash with the decision KDN takes up key role in administering Therapeutic Use Exemption (Tue).

KDN roles read in part: “All Tues shall be made through identified doctors... these regulations are not intended to vary or substitute the normal whereabouts and other anti-doping programmes shall continue as usual.”