Kenya to criminalise doping

CS sports AMB. Amina Mohamed together with ADAK CEO Japhter Rugut and Daniel Makdwallo Chairman of ADAK Board of Directors.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed on Saturday said they will pass legislation to criminalise doping offences.

During a meeting with veteran athletes, CS Mohamed said that they are working closely with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to present the document to Parliament for debate.

"We are working on the document and hopefully it will be ready in two months. ADAK will bring the document to us to do what is required," Amina told Xinhua.

With Kenya's doping cases increasing sharply in the last five years, the CS added that they are determined to end the vice and have Kenyan runners win clean on the global stage.

"It's about the image of our country. Kenya is a sports giant and we want to continue winning clean and therefore we don't want a few people to tarnish our reputation on the global scene by doping,"  she added.

She also warned foreign and local agents and coaches against influencing the younger athletes to dope by exploiting their ignorance.

"We have to warn unscrupulous managers, coaches and doctors not to take advantage of our athletes. We want a clean environment for our athletes to compete in knowing they will not be tempted to dope," said Mohamed.

If the Bill is passed, offenders will serve jail terms as the country intensifies its fight against the vice.

Over 200 Kenyan athletes are currently banned over doping. Some of the top names include Rio 2016 Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong, three-time Boston Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo and former world champion Asbel Kiprop.